How can parents make the most of a Clapham education? What does it take to make the investment in private Christian classical education bear fruit for our children? In this episode of the Clapham School Podcast, Academic Dean Patrick Egan, Upper School Humanities faculty Hannah Bramsen, and Lower School Principal Jane Phillip discuss Clapham’s approach to homework, and how parents’ understandings and attitudes towards homework can significantly impact the effectiveness and joy of student learning.
What is the purpose of homework, or as we call it at Clapham, life’s work? How does our unique philosophical approach toward learning inform the kind of work we bring home at night, and what are some practical tips to make sure that life’s work is truly serving our students?
For Lower School students, the most fruitful, effective way to approach life’s work involves parents coming alongside their students in meaningful time together. As students mature into Secondary and Upper School, they become responsible for finishing life’s work independently. In every stage, there are strategic ways for parents to support their students by helping them cultivate valuable habits in terms of time management, study space, and addressing distractions. Dr. Egan offers practical tips for engaging our children about the big ideas they are encountering at school, and Mrs. Phillip gives specific suggestions for reinforcing foundational concepts from math to reading in Lower School.
Charlotte Mason said, “Education is an atmosphere, a discipline, a life.” The notion behind this saying gets at the idea that education is not something that is bound to the school building or hours but is best understood as permeating a child’s existence throughout his or her personal development. As Clapham assigns life’s work, it is always with a high degree of intentionality; seeking to reinforce or supplement the day’s work through solidifying concepts at home.
Listen to the podcast to understand the vision behind life’s work, and to glean helpful tips on how to make the most out of learning at home. The key? Approaching life’s work as an invaluable opportunity to intimately connect with your child and cultivate a love of learning together.
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