So before finishing Uni, Suzi gave us a task to set two pieces of homework.

1.  Plan how to set "label 6 pets" homework.

2.  Plan how to set TWO homeworks for Y7 on the topic of family - one must result in written homework, the other a learning homework.

 

1.  I decided to use zoo animals in German as I think this would create more of a reaction with the students and interest them more.  The students in the lesson will have already learnt 9 animals which can be found in a zoo and the following animals are done at home.

I would set the homework after giving the objectives to the class at the beginning of the lesson.  This is to make sure that there is enough time for questions and problems, and secondly to the students can see that the homework has a real connection to the lesson and curriculum.  I would go through the worksheet and explain how to complete it - this will including eliciting the English names of the animals in the pictures.

 

2.  I decided to mix both writing and learning together for this homework.  The students will write out each word several times and there they will stick a litte better in their heads!  I used current celebrities so that the students will have a close connection to the work (and I included two French personalities for IU).  The second section of the homework is supported by the first activity.  The students are given a choice of either writing about themselves or a fake family - this is because some students do not feel comfortable talking about themselves and also by giving the choice to the students they are in control of their own learning.  In addition, this fosters creativity!

Again, I would set this homework immediately after the lesson objectives for the same reasons as above!

In all the homework activities I have included "I must:" and "To be successful:" so that the students (and parents) are fully aware of the task instructions and the success criteria, therefore, they can use these to support their learning and to proof read and check over their work once they have finished.  These also give me the opportunity to self- or peer-assess the work in class if I decide so.  Each activity also includes an example to scaffold the students' learning.  And finally, I have included an "Extension" activity after each activity in order to differentiate and challenge AG&T students.