Homework and report

Louis has to do homework. He doesn't think much of this. It is mainly reading over what he has done in class, and it is a chance for me to see what he has been doing during the day. He has an exercise book in which his teacher writes which pages he has to read, but she has told me privately that it is only a guide, and that if he is too tired not to worry.

In this school, the teachers understand the enormous effort that it takes for little non-French speakers to complete the school day, and that they need far more time to rest and recover than the other children. The school day is much longer than in England : from 8.45 a.m. to 4.45 p.m.

As I can only do homework with one child at a time, I have asked the lovely Selma from next door to come in between 5.45 and 6.15 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. She spends the half hour helping Louis, and I help Sacha with his English reading.


On the other homework nights, there is less pressure as there is a free day to follow, and finding two slots is easier for me to handle.

Mme Bonnot told François that Louis was a very bright child, eager to learn, and a pleasure to have in class. He now speaks  French in the classroom all the time. She has written a short monthly report in his work book. She says:

 "Louis is a lively and enthusiastic pupil.. He works very well.  He is very well brought-up, a lovely  little boy, with a very pleasant attitude."