Getting Homework Done in Less Time and Fewer Fights

Students with learning disabilities such as ADHD often have trouble with homework and maintaining focus on assignments that require full attention. Some common problems are seen in children with ADHD such as easy distractibility, disorganization, procrastination, inattention, fidgeting, and daydreaming. Every child is different, meaning not every kid with ADHD will act in the same manner. However, there are several common solutions to help out students that display the common symptoms that affect their schoolwork.

Disorganization

One common issue observed in children with ADHD is the difficulty in keeping track of paper flow. Paper flow is the circulation of assignments/homework coming in and out for a student. Many students have problems with losing their homework before it can be turned in. Parental guidance in assisting their child with the organization of binders and homework is key to helping out a student having trouble with disorganization. Parents need to go through their child’s binders each night to make sure their child is organizing their schoolwork, and if it is consistently disorganized, they need to come up with an organizational strategy to maintain their homework and school assignments. For example, if a child has trouble with a 3-ring binder, try out an accordion folder instead. A child with disorganization issues should also complete a clean sweep once a week.

Procrastination

Most students have problems with putting off homework assignments until the last minute. It is more than likely that the student is prepared to start the homework, however, they feel underwhelmed or unprepared. A good solution to fixing the problem of procrastination is lowering the barrier to starting the assignment. If a child is assigned to write a 5 paragraph essay, have them start with the introduction or just the first paragraph. Then, give them a small break and bring them back to the pencil and paper shortly after. The same solution can be utilized for math homework. If a student is assigned 30 algebra problems, have them do five problems and then use the same strategy.

Distractibility

There are two primary types of distractors: fidgeters and daydreamers. Fidgeters are the students who don’t stop moving. Rocking their chair back and forth, tapping on a surface, twisting their hair, constantly changing positions in their chair, etc. Daydreamers are students who tend to drag out their assignments because they are unable to stay focused. Daydreamers tend to doodle on their paper, stare out the window, etc. Research states that fidgeters need to fidget to focus, so telling them to stay still is counterproductive and can negatively affect them. A good solution for fidgeters is to give them a fidget toy. Some examples of fidget toys are pencil toppers, stress balls, putty (possibly messy), gum, or fidget cubes. Fidget toys will help fidgeters focus on their assignments or homework while stimulating their fidget urges. The best way to help children who daydream is to set up a reminder system. Constant reminders on which problem or section of the assignment they are on will keep them focused and train their mind to not get as easily distracted.

Frustration

Difficult subjects, learning disabilities, and executive functioning deficits can all cause children to lash out while working on homework. Children get upset while working on homework because their amygdala is fired up and may override their prefrontal cortex, which makes it much more difficult to reason through problems. When children get upset, the best solution is to disengage from the homework and attempt it again when they’re calmed down. While a child is having a meltdown, it is not efficient to try and reason with the child, they will be too upset to listen to logic. Make sure to be empathetic with the child because being on the other team won’t help the situation.

Edited by TLC Intern: Griffin Snow