Homework Tips for Children with Learning Disabilities

If your child a learning disability, they will have to work and study harder than many of their classmates. Studying after school can give your child a chance to review lessons and skills learned during the school day.

Talk to Your Child's Teachers

Stay in touch with their teachers. See how much homework is to be expected every night. This will help you prepare a time for you and your child to work on assignments. Additionally, you will want to ask the teachers if there are any skills you should focus on with your child at home.

Many teachers prefer to see all of a student's mistakes so they can gauge their progress in school. It is sometimes hard as a parent to not correct a child's homework, especially when the student receives a grade for their work. However, even if their grade suffers a little from their mistakes, this will help teachers work with your child to teach them the proper methods used to find the correct solutions.

Set a Schedule

Once you have an idea of your child's homework load, create a schedule. It is best if your child has a consistent time period that they work on their homework.

When creating a schedule, remember to take into account bathroom and snack breaks. If your child requests a break you should try to have them complete the task they are working on; if they stop in the middle of a homework problem they will lose focus and it will take twice as long to complete the given question. Additionally, it is best to leave time for your student to unwind after school before starting a homework session.

Create a Homework Center

Make sure the room your child does their work in is adequately light and has few distractions. Sometimes children work better when there is music playing. You can also help your student by keeping pens, sharpened pencils, paper, a calculator, and a dictionary in the homework room. Providing them with all of the essential homework supplies will keep them focused and on task.

Organize Homework

When your child prepares their homework have them separate assignments into two piles: 'What I can do myself' and 'What I need help with.' Have them complete the assignments they can do on their own first. This will provide the necessary confidence to tackle the more difficult questions and projects. When you help them with homework make sure you are merely guiding them through the process and not completing tasks for them.

Your student's teachers or school counselor may have more study suggestions that you can implement in your household.