Homework Help for the A.D.D. Child
Does the homework battle so typical with
your hyperactive or A.D.D. child have you at the end of your rope?
Relax. We have some tried-and-try ADHD information that should get
your A.D.D. child on the right homework path.
The hyperactive or A.D.D. child especially
needs consistency, a work place free of distractions, solid
encouragement and praise - along with established consequences if
the positive homework tips fail. The child will also do better
when the parents and
teachers work as a team.
Establish a Set Homework Routine
Because the A.D.D. child functions best in a
consistent environment, homework should be done in the same place,
at the same time and for a set amount of time every day.
Work with your child to develop that
routine. Some Attention Deficit and hyperactive children work best
immediately after school while others need an hour or two to
settle down before jumping back into studies.
To help the A.D.D. child better focus, the
work area should be free of distractions, such as televisions,
video games, music and other people. The kitchen table might not
be the best place if there is too much activity in that room. The
bedroom can offer distractions if the television or stereo have a
way of "turning themselves on" when you are not there to monitor.
Mandatory Homework Time
We are strong proponents of establishing an
allotted amount of homework time on school days. This set amount
of time gives consistency to the hyperactive or A.D.D. child and
discourages rushing through homework.
Talk with your child's teachers about the
average recommended homework time for the child's grade level. In
general, elementary school children should spend about 30 minutes
each night on homework. Middle school and high school students
should spend about one hour on homework.
If the child does not have homework that
evening or they finish before the allotted time, the child can
read until their mandatory homework time is over.
"Chunking" and Scheduled Breaks
The hyperactive and A.D.D. child often
experiences difficulty with long-range tasks. "Chunking" homework
for the hyperactive or A.D.D. child helps break the homework task
into smaller, more manageable pieces.
You can break a 20-problem math assignment
into four chunks of five problems each, with a small break in
between chunks. If using the mandatory homework time schedule, set
a kitchen timer to ring every five to 15 minutes, depending on the
child's attention span. At every break, give your hyperactive or
A.D.D. child a few minutes to move around or grab a snack to
refocus their attention.
Rewards/Consequences
As with any parenting issue, rewarding good
behavior and disciplining poor behavior motivates kids toward good
behavior. The A.D.D. child needs all the rewards they can get,
along with firm and consistent consequences.
A "homework contract" is an effective
motivator for the A.D.D. and an especially valuable tool to
encourage the A.D.D. child to accept responsibility for their
work.
The homework contract clearly states that
when the homework is completed, the child will earn a reward. The
contract also clearly outlines consequences for not completing
homework.
You can offer daily modest rewards like
earning time to play Gameboy, the right to choose a favorite
dinner or a modest treat or special privilege. Or, you can develop
a point system for larger weekly rewards. You can give out one
point for every night of completed homework for the child to cash
in for a trip to the zoo after earning five points, for instance.
Effective consequences for not completing
homework are losing phone, computer, stereo and television
privileges for the evening. To add a little more discomfort to the
situation, have the child stay inside for the evening without
friends.
It is important that you remain calm, firm
and consistent on nights when Attention Deficit Disorder child
decides to get into a power struggle over homework. It may take a
couple consequence days before the child realizes that completing
homework makes for a better night than not doing homework.
It is also important that you reward for
effort and not just grades for the A.D.D. child. The goal is to
develop a solid homework habit. With a homework habit established,
better grades will automatically follow.
Don't forget to offer the intangible rewards
of smiles and praise when your child puts the effort into
completing his homework. A "way to go" goes a long way in positive
reinforcement for Attention Deficit Disorder children.
Additional Homework ADHD Information:
_ Using an assignment book for the A.D.D.
child helps parents keep track of the child's daily and weekly
homework. If the teacher does not use an assignment book, develop
a system with the teacher so you know the child's homework
assignments.
_ If the A.D.D. child insist on heavy
parental homework help, require that the child attempt problems at
least twice before asking for homework help. They may need
homework help, but make sure he puts a genuine effort into solving
the problem first.
_ Attention Deficit and hyperactive children
may not be able to receive "A's on every homework and school
assignment. Instead of getting hung up on the traditional grading
scale, give your A.D.D. child an "A" for effort.
Remember also to give your child the best
"leg up" in school by providing a brain-feeding, nutritionally
balanced
diet.
Back
to Archived Newsletters page
