There are so many things to deal with during homework and lessons! Since the child with ADD/ADHD is like a little cat that has just seen a squirrel pass by, they forget quickly, get distracted and jump from one thing to the next! Sometimes, it’s funny, but not always effective!
My 8-year-old daughter with ADHD can suck up all my juice to get through homework and lessons! But, can it be any different? Yes, I promise you that if you are determined to establish a strict framework, after a while you will breathe a little! I am Jessica Rousseau, Special Education Technician and Family Coach for MamanÉducatrucs. I’ll give you my tips on how to survive homework and lessons and help your precious one.
For homework and lessons
The struggle of homework! It often is, but it can be done! Homework and lessons require focus, organization and staying on task. This is a big challenge for most children and a big task for the child with ADHD.
So what do we do?
We set up a clear framework. And, we stick to it 100%. By supervising them closely, you will create a habit in them. They will benefit from this constancy to learn to manage themselves (gradually)! Pssst! Make sure you’ve explained your new agreement to them.
Find the right time. When will they be most willing? When am I most available and patient? Make sure they have had a little break between school and home.
Determine the exact time of homework and lessons in advance. A few minutes before the time, they are given the signal to get ready.
Set a fixed length of time for homework and lessons. If you have determined that it is 20 minutes, it is 20 minutes. Finished early? Let’s do a little reading. It takes them longer? Maybe the load is too much for them. Talk to the teacher.
Find a suitable study space. If having them work in an isolated room protects them from distractions, that’s ideal. However, if they space out every two minutes, it won’t work.
Choose two places to study. They’re energetic? Let them go to their room and do some back-and-forth. They are unmotivated or spaced out? Keep them close to you.
The environment is free of distractions. No time to stir the pots and leave the TV on! We control what we can.
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Reduce all possible surrounding noise. If it’s not possible, add noise-reducing earmuffs, headphones with soft music (instrumental), a fan that covers other noises, etc.
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Have the little ones play elsewhere or declare a quiet play time.
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Move away the dog, cat, etc.
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Clear the work surface of any excess material lying around.
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Block visual stimuli (if they are working in front of the window, they are more likely to be interrupted by a passing bicycle, falling rain, etc.). Alternatively, you can add a cardboard booth or put them in front of an undecorated wall.
Vary working positions! Moving around may help them to keep their focus and control their agitation better. Let them work standing up, sitting on the floor, etc.
Give a minute break. Gauge if a break can give a boost or if it’s too hard to bring them back afterwards (ex: I’ll give you one minute to beat your jump rope record!).
Add some fun! Make them a custom game (a snakes and ladders with the words of the week, game dice for additions, etc.). It’s not always easy to be dynamic in everyday life, but every once in a while, make a little something special with them!
Establish a reward system that will encourage them to follow their routine and stay motivated. For example, have them collect points to buy themselves a privilege (1 point if they start their lessons on time, 1 point if they have a positive attitude, 1 point if they complete their tasks).
Give them a checklist. Whether it’s a list or pictures, identify the steps they need to take. Have him check off or highlight their list. This will help them learn how to work.
Make them a homework basket or kit. Put in it only what they will need to work with. This ensures that they always have everything they need!
Support them with love. Explicitly point out their good deeds, leave an encouraging note in their bag «Do your best! I love you! », draw them a heart in the margin of their notebook, listen to their fears, etc.
Work as a team with the school. Communicate regularly with the school and align your methods as much as possible. Share strategies that work well at home and vice versa.
A difficult framework to implement but persevere!
The first few weeks will be very demanding. The child will be looking for ways to oppose and challenge the framework. You will be like a captain who is constantly adjusting the helm of the ship in the middle of a storm! Bring it back, hold it back, bring it back, hold it back. After rigorous efforts, everyone will gain in harmony and efficiency. Of course, after a long vacation, we will need to take a few days to reset our framework. Finally, these children are often very sensitive and need to be taken care of. Take the opportunity to show them that you love them.
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