Learning at Home

Home Learning & Wellbeing

At Papakura Central School, home learning is designed to complement the teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom. Each programme is thoughtfully created by teachers and aligns with the curriculum levels their students are currently working at. This approach supports a strong connection between school and whānau, fostering shared responsibility for learning.

We recognise that every family has different routines, commitments, and pressures. For this reason, our approach is flexible - whether your child engages fully, partially, or not at all with home learning, that’s entirely your choice. Families are encouraged to make decisions that suit their circumstances and well-being.

Research highlights many after-school activities that contribute to healthy development - physically, socially, academically, and emotionally. These include sports, reading, imaginative play, music practice, spending time with friends, helping around the house, or baking. Some tamariki need time to relax after school, while others thrive with additional stimulation. Understanding your child’s needs is key, so take time to talk with them about what feels right.

What ‘Home Learning’ will my child receive at School?

At Papakura Central School, we aim to provide all learners with opportunities for support, reinforcement, and extension beyond the classroom, helping them strive for excellence in their learning journey.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your child’s home learning, please feel free to speak with their classroom teacher or a member of the leadership team.

Teina Team - Juniors | Year 0-3

• A reader & phonics/alphabet activity are sent home Monday to Thursday

• Sight word charts and/or basic facts activities may also be sent home to support class learning in an ongoing way

• Home Learning LINK

Tuakana Team - Seniors | Year 4-6

We encourage students to read for 15–20 minutes each night, either with someone or independently. They can read their guided reading book or choose something they enjoy. Talking about the story with whānau helps build understanding and enjoyment.

Students also have access to online learning tools to support their reading and math:

• Reading: Reading Eggs, Sunshine Classics

• Maths: Mathseeds, Polymaths, and Prototec (for practising basic facts.

General Home Learning Resources

• MoE Home Learning  – provides a range of general home Reading, Writing, and Math ideas and activities

• TKI Home Learning  – provides a range of activities in ‘Reading & Writing’, ‘Mathematics’, and ‘Key Competencies

Additional Learning Opportunities at Papakura Central School  

For students who are keen to extend and apply their learning beyond the classroom, we offer an ‘Enrichment Club’. This provides authentic, self-directed learning experiences that can be explored at home, during lunchtime sessions, and occasionally through after-school opportunities. Mrs Kumar and Miss Hendericks will lead these clubs in Terms 2 and 3. You will receive a notice from them if your child participates.

Remember that learning at home, like at school, can be challenging but should also be enjoyable, with plenty of praise and encouragement given. Engaging your children in discussions about vocabulary, numbers, song lyrics, day trips, world events, and more will also help them to make connections with learning concepts.

Feel free to pop into your child’s class to share learning and book work, and contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions about supporting your child at school or how you can best help, reinforce, or extend learning at home.