Homework time is no one’s favorite time of the day, but it is most likely even a bigger battle with your child who has ADD or ADHD. But the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to start fresh and begin to manage homework time more effectively and easily. It’s important for parents and teachers to work together so that children with ADD or ADHD can employ a system for success. At the beginning of the school year, you and your child’s teachers together can make school work, both at home and in the classroom, more manageable with these homework tips for your child with ADD or ADHD
Set up a specific time and place for homework to be completed
Because we are all creatures of habit, it’s essential to set a schedule so that your child gets physically, mentally and emotionally ready to do homework at the same time each evening. The location where children with ADD and ADHD do homework is vital as well. Avoid moving them to different locations, but rather, have a standard place for them to work, since structure helps them settle into homework time.
Make homework time a quiet time
Choose a time during the evenings when you can control the level of noise in the household. Turn off all electronics, and even unplug the phone if that distracts your student. You well know that any little distraction can be detrimental to getting tasks completed, so let the rest of the family know that this time is off limits for watching TV, for example, in communal areas where it might distract the student.
Make color-coded folders for homework
When purchasing school supplies, have your child choose a color for each class and then buy all notebooks, folders and other supplies specific to that class in that color. Beyond that, assign one color-coded folder for each class that only holds homework for that class. One side should be for in-coming homework and the other side for assignments that need to be turned in. Even when children with ADD or ADHD complete assignments, they often forget to turn it in, so getting a clear system in place early in the school year will make the rest of the year go more smoothly.
Ask the teacher for daily or weekly progress reports
No matter how old your child is, usually teachers of children with ADD or ADHD are willing to set up a communication system with parents to help children succeed in their classes. This communication benefits the teachers as well, since students who are focused and earning good grades are easier to work with in the classroom, as well as at home. Getting daily or weekly reports from teachers will help parents stay on top of issues in the classroom so that they can be dealt with immediately.
Ask for an additional book to keep at home
Even when you have a solid plan in place, children with ADD or ADHD often forget their books at school because something distracted them as they prepared to go home. Request an extra book for each of your child’s classes to keep at home so that there is always a plan B if your child forgets his textbook at school. This will ensure that he doesn’t get behind in classes even when something is overlooked.
Keep a homework calendar and schedule
Consistence is key, and having a physical reminder that homework time is sacred is a great reminder for everyone in the household. Put a white board and large-grid calendar where homework is done. Together, you and your child can keep track of assignments, both short and long-term, for each class this way. When children with ADD or ADHD feel more on top of things, they are more successful. A homework calendar and schedule helps them keep track of their successes and allows them to see what is coming up.
Great article! My son has ADHD and I’ve been homeschooling him ever since the start of lockdown. I give him homework of which he can do by himself in his room. These are really good tips. Thank you for this!