Product reviews for Unhomework

I was hooked from the off, as the book was inspired by a child's comments, not dreamt up due to government reform or an Ofsted checklist, although I am sure it would satisfy both. Mark draws on many sources, from Pablo Picasso to Vicky Pollard, yet it is children who have clearly been his defining teachers and inspiration throughout.
I continued with a wry smile as another savvy pupil exposed the flaws in setting traditional homework: only completing it when he thought it was for his benefit not the teacher's, “Sneaky!” Like any good educational book, this held a mirror up to my own practice and made me question whether I was merely obeying the homework policy, checking that task off and moving on the learning without allocating quality time for children to reflect. Am I allowing opportunities for them to develop and show off their strengths as they complete homework, or just confirming what I already know?
Mark continually reinforces the need for consistency and trust in the children, with his philosophy of the 5Rs at the heart. The students can then take responsibility for their own learning with the teacher as the trusted -˜guide at the side'. -˜Ungoogleable' tasks are set but the teacher is there to support children wrestle with their own insecurities or fear of failure.
I loved reading the personal and shared successes through scripted anecdotes, particularly where children had surprised themselves, their teachers and/or their parents. Also, the wonderfully moving tales of pupils empowering each other through praise and constructive criticism, modelled by their -˜guide at the side': children hailing their peers as the motivation to challenge themselves further, “I didn't know what I could do until I saw others doing it -” they inspired me.” It is child-led learning at its most powerful, as they set the timeframe and success criteria, which they can then use to assess against. And it will be completed because they want to; they understand the responsibility that this freedom brings.
Now is the perfect time to reflect on your own practice as educational policy puts homework back in the hands of head teachers. -˜Unhomework' is purposeful and stimulating, a chance for children to develop their learning skills whilst exploring the new knowledge-heavy curriculum: this is truly a platform for children to prepare socially and emotionally for the unknown challenges of the 21st Century.
-˜Unhomework' addresses how to involve everyone -” I will be sending out Mark's list of how parents can help develop their child's learning skills at home and adding my own. There are even examples and resources to help practitioners, from NQTs to head teachers, get started. As well as scripts, using first hand experience to win over pupils and colleagues alike. Again I was moved at how the children had inspired colleagues and convinced parents, as a unit, using the 5Rs: a personal reminder to share my own and my class's successes, not by preaching but ensuring I don't become an -˜educational Gollum'.