Taking a proactive approach to student success is what Greenwood School is all about. We want to help you, as parents, to give your student every opportunity to succeed in school. As we begin this new school keep in mind that research shows that students who have help at home do better academically. One thing that you can do to ensure a successful transition back to school is to develop a consistent homework routine. A quick review of Greenwood’s Homework Policy shows that you can expect to spend 10 minutes of homework per grade to include 15 minutes of reading. For example, a 6th grader can expect to spend 45 minutes on homework assignments plus 15 minutes on reading.
For a realistic and easy to implement homework routine we refer to Dr. Kenny Handelman’s book Attention Difference Disorder: How to Turn Your ADHD Child or Teen’s Differences into Strengths in 7 Simple Steps. Dr. Handelman suggests designating a daily time to start and complete homework. Some kids work best in the afternoon, following a snack and play period while others may prefer to wait until after dinner. Find the time that works for you and your student and stick to it.
At the designated homework time review assignments with your student to create a plan for the work to be completed and then get out a timer. Dr. Handelman recommends using a timer as it helps those with ADHD and time issues to visualize deadlines. Breaking the homework assignments down into manageable chunks is another useful strategy. Once you have a plan to complete the homework be a monitor as well as a motivator. Give encouragement, check completed homework, and make yourself available for questions and concerns. Once homework is completed take an extra minute to ensure that your child’s backpack is properly packed and ready to go for the next day to avoid the early morning “get out the door” drama.
Establishing and maintaining a consistent homework routine will help your student to develop good study habits and contributes to your child’s school and ultimately life success. For other tips and strategies to help students with ADHD succeed see Dr. Handelman’s book, Attention Difference Disorder: How to Turn Your ADHD Child or Teen’s Differences into Strengths in 7 Simple Steps. It is available for parent checkout from the professional collection at the Greenwood School Library.
