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Homework Help for the Attention
Deficit Child
By: Jeannine Virtue
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.
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 you’re A.D.D. child an "A" for
effort.
Bio:
Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an
Attention Deficit Disorder son. To learn more about natural and effective
alternatives to Ritalin and other ADHD medications, visit
http://www.add-adhd-help-center.com.
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