Last updated: April 2024

In order to meet the development needs of the various age groups at FIS we offer the age-appropriate guidelines for home learning below. 

First Steps - Grade 2

In the early years of schooling children's time at home should focus on active exploration of their world, play, family interaction, and rest. Students in First Steps - Grade 2 have days filled with learning and need unstructured time after school to relax and play. This holds true for weekends and holidays also.

A primary purpose of home learning in First Steps - Grade 2 is to support home-school connections.  Home learning activities allow children to bring experiences and information from home back to school to enrich their, and their classmates’ learning. These activities also help parents to find out more about their child's school program and are particularly relevant when connected to current units of inquiry. Home learning also includes opportunities for  children to engage in positive reading experiences, reading for pleasure and reading to learn. As students enter Grade 2, home learning provides students with further opportunities to strengthen literacy and math skills as appropriate. 

Grades 3 - 5

As students enter the upper elementary years, a child's level of independence in relation to home learning grows.  The frequency of family-to-school activities to support our units of inquiry may increase following clear guidelines from teachers.  Students will have opportunities to develop foundational skills outside of class as appropriate in both duration and level.  Reading at home continues to be a priority, providing students the opportunity to develop skills to read intensely and for longer periods of time.  Structures designed to strengthen various content areas are introduced and students work at their ability levels, allowing for differentiated and customized experiences. To allow for family time and learning beyond the classroom, home learning will not be expected during holidays. 

Grades 6 - 8

Home learning that is primarily for practice of skills, and completed without teacher interim oversight, will not be graded. Students are encouraged to work independently and push themselves to attempt more difficult/demanding tasks.  Teachers support students in learning to manage their time by not requiring home learning to be handed in the day after it is assigned. Teachers will articulate the purpose of home learning: (preparation, extend, reinforce, differentiate and individualize) and give clear parameters for the work (for example: how much time? how much work?). To allow for family time and learning beyond the classroom, home learning will not be expected during holidays unless a student has needed extra support to meet a deadline. When there is no home learning assigned, students are encouraged to read for pleasure and to review their work/lessons.

Grades 9 - 12 

Home learning opportunities support students in developing effective and ongoing revision techniques, routines and strategies to ensure that they are able to prepare for external and internal examinations. If home learning occurs over holidays, teachers should inform students so they have time to plan around their itineraries.