ADD/ADHD and Homework
Most parents of ADD/ADHD children report that homework is the most difficult part of parenting their child in relationship to school. When you think about it, there are a lot of steps that the child has to follow before a homework assignment is even turned in to be graded.
Hear the assignment
Understand the assignment
Write down the assignment
Remember to bring the assignment (and books, if necessary) home
Remember to do the assignment
Remember to ask for help
Remember to take your time, focus, concentrate
Remember to do your best
Remember to pack the assignment
Remember to bring the assignment to class
Remember to turn the assignment in to the teacher
Each step may be a major challenge. So, here are some things that parents can do to help:
Help your child with organization. Do NOT do all the organizing yourself…just help by:
Working with your child to organize the bedroom, backpack, school locker etc.
Asking to see the planner notebook. (Middle and High Schools) Most schools now require them.
Listen and be helpful in answering your child’s organizational questions that is a source of his or her frustration.
Child: “I keep forgetting my book at school.”
Parent: “What will help?” Maybe a note inside your locker will help.”
Child: “I’m dumb!” I’ll never remember!”
Parent: “Let’s meet with your teacher to see if she has some ideas to help.”
Talk with your child’s teachers. Many teachers understand that homework is a great source of frustration for ADD/ADHD children. Some teachers will limit assignments, require less problems to solve in math or provide extra time. A 504 Plan (SEE SECTION ON 504 PLANS) may spell out specific homework guidelines for teachers to follow.
Ask the teachers if they have a Web Page that post assignments. Some teachers have assignments as a part of their voice mail system. Many teachers provide their learning disabled and ADD/ADHD students with separate notes and daily assignment sheets. Ask and you may receive!
Provide your child with incentives to remember to bring home their assignments and books. Maybe he or she gets to have a sleepover during the weekend for remembering.
For more ADD/ADHD information go to: ScottCounseling.com
Most parents of ADD/ADHD children report that homework is the most difficult part of parenting their child in relationship to school. When you think about it, there are a lot of steps that the child has to follow before a homework assignment is even turned in to be graded.
Hear the assignment
Understand the assignment
Write down the assignment
Remember to bring the assignment (and books, if necessary) home
Remember to do the assignment
Remember to ask for help
Remember to take your time, focus, concentrate
Remember to do your best
Remember to pack the assignment
Remember to bring the assignment to class
Remember to turn the assignment in to the teacher
Each step may be a major challenge. So, here are some things that parents can do to help:
Help your child with organization. Do NOT do all the organizing yourself…just help by:
Working with your child to organize the bedroom, backpack, school locker etc.
Asking to see the planner notebook. (Middle and High Schools) Most schools now require them.
Listen and be helpful in answering your child’s organizational questions that is a source of his or her frustration.
Child: “I keep forgetting my book at school.”
Parent: “What will help?” Maybe a note inside your locker will help.”
Child: “I’m dumb!” I’ll never remember!”
Parent: “Let’s meet with your teacher to see if she has some ideas to help.”
Talk with your child’s teachers. Many teachers understand that homework is a great source of frustration for ADD/ADHD children. Some teachers will limit assignments, require less problems to solve in math or provide extra time. A 504 Plan (SEE SECTION ON 504 PLANS) may spell out specific homework guidelines for teachers to follow.
Ask the teachers if they have a Web Page that post assignments. Some teachers have assignments as a part of their voice mail system. Many teachers provide their learning disabled and ADD/ADHD students with separate notes and daily assignment sheets. Ask and you may receive!
Provide your child with incentives to remember to bring home their assignments and books. Maybe he or she gets to have a sleepover during the weekend for remembering.
For more ADD/ADHD information go to: ScottCounseling.com
