Ah, the smells of fall. The children are back in school, they've gotten through the first few weeks. Everything was great--until the teacher started assigning homework!
I work with children and teens who often struggle with attention deficit disorder or other learning challenges. Today I read an article at ADDitude Magazine that provides some excellent strategies for helping your child with his/her homework.
Consistent routines can help your child with attention deficit disorder.
It may take time: give it at least 7 weeks, and expect there to be times when you even wonder whether it's working at all.
Allow time for kids to write down their homework assignments.
It helps if the teacher writes the homework on the board.
It also helps for the teacher to read the assignment aloud to the student to reinforce it through hearing.
If the child struggles with writing it all down, the teacher can help by giving a typewritten or handwritten sheet to the child with the homework assignment on it.
Create a 'completed work' folder. This folder can organize what needs to go back to school. If a student has trouble remembering his/her homework, include a sheet for parents to sign once the homework is finished and packed in the school bag.
Lighten up the homework load. Oftentimes children with ADD ADHD have a low frustration tolerance and can 'lose it' easily. to reinforce it through hearing.
Make sure homework comes home.
Review the suggestions for school (tips given above) with your child's teacher. S/He may have other ideas to help your child remember his/her or s/he may be willing to e-mail you the assignments at home.
Have Homework Time. Create a weekly calendar that your child can look at, with all the activities listed, and with daily homework start and end times.
Create a special spot for homework. This will help program your child's subconscious to be ready for homework when at that spot. Try to keep any distractions, such as TV or music, to a minimum.
Schedule Breaks. Use a timer to help your child understand that s/he is going to work for 20 minutes, then s/he will have a 5 minute break. Keep this system going until the homework is done.
Keep It Positive. Respect your child's 'saturation point.' Your child's tolerance for homework may be a bit lower than his/her peers'. If you truly feel that s/he has done her/his best, write a note to the teacher. If your child is consistently melting down every night, it may be time to discuss whether the homework load is appropriate for your student, and whether some reductions can be made in the amount of homework.
Consider a reward system. When your child starts on time and finishes homework in a timely manner, add a star to a daily chart. The starts can then be redeemed for special privileges or items from a wish list. This could include a special food, staying up a few minutes extra on the weekend, a special outing with Mom or Dad, or earning points toward an item that s/he would like to earn. When your child starts on time and finishes homework in a timely manner, add a star to a daily chart. The starts can then be redeemed for special privileges or items from a wish list. This could include a special food, staying up a few minutes extra on the weekend, a special outing with Mom or Dad, or earning points toward an item that s/he would like to earn.. Use a timer to help your child understand that s/he is going to work for 20 minutes, then s/he will have a 5 minute break. Keep this system going until the homework is done.
What have been some effective strategies you have used to help your child with her/his homework?
Please share them in the comments!