Springboard 5: Catch-up programme for children in Year 5

Involving children and their parents or carers

A key feature of effective teaching is to involve children in improving their performance by discussing with them what they can do and what they need to improve. Pupils are better motivated when they understand what they are to achieve and recognise the progress they are making. A brief discussion with a child on what they have achieved can lead to a new target and a suitable deadline for achieving it. During the discussion, you could stress how the child's work will be different when the target has been achieved and what the child can do to help, in class and independently at school and at home. Marking activity sheets and homework and giving guidance on how to improve, with the opportunity for children to comment, will help maintain their involvement. Sharing learning objectives, inviting children to assess themselves and to set their own challenges are other strategies you can use.

All teachers recognise the value of identifying and rewarding children's achievement through a congratulatory chat, a short letter to parents, putting work on display or giving stickers, stars or badges. The support and interest of parents and carers can also help motivate children to succeed. Aimed to keep them informed about the catch-up programme from the beginning and to discuss with them their child's targets and progress whenever possible. The homework tasks are designed for the child to share with others at home and involve simple activities and games that do not take very long.