Homework first steps and a note to the teacher

CAN parentFree family resource

Free CAN parent resource

No sign-up needed. Print the page or save the A4 PDF. Your notes stay on your own copy.

Free resource. Print this page or copy the prompts into your own notebook or document. The spaces below are for your own notes, not an online form.

Use this with one piece of homework. Adapt it to your child’s age and support needs. The purpose is to help them begin and communicate difficulties, not to make an adult complete the work.

What is the task?

Subject or activity: ____________________

When it is due: ____________________

What I think I have been asked to do: ____________________

Something I need explained: ____________________

My starting point

The first small action: ____________________

What I need before I start: ____________________

The help an adult will give: ____________________

The part I will try myself: ____________________

Our working plan

A suitable time and place: ____________________

How we will decide when a break is needed: ____________________

What we will do if the task remains unclear: ____________________

Follow the school’s guidance about expected time. If that is unclear or unsuitable for your child, ask the teacher rather than allowing the work to fill the whole evening.

A factual note to school

“We worked on ____________________. My child was able to ____________________. They needed help with ____________________. We stopped at ____________________. Could you clarify or help with ____________________?”

For next time

Something that helped us start: ____________________

A supply, instruction or adjustment we need: ____________________

Keep the child’s own work visible, including where they needed support. This helps the teacher understand what to explain or adapt. One difficult task does not tell you everything about how your child learns.

Browse all free resources.