Homework Help for ADD
Homework strategies helpful when dealing with students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder
Aug 27, 2006
This is a list of tips for helping students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), deal with homework. Not all these strategies will work for every child or every teacher. Don't be afraid to try something and then admit it doesn't work. That's why there's a list of different things! Go ahead and try different things until you find what works for both you and the child.
Homework:
1. Give reward points for notebook checks and proper paper format.
2. Use a consistent format for worksheets and handouts.
3. Communicate the value of accuracy over speed.
4. List and/or post (and say) all steps necessary to complete each assignment.
5. Arrange for the student to have a "study buddy" with phone number in each subject area.
6. Give assignments one at a time to avoid work overload
7. Allow the student to keep an extra set of books at home.
8. Make frequent checks for work/assignment completion.
9. Review instructions when giving new assignments to make sure student comprehends directions.
10. Print assignments on labels and have every student paste the label in their planners.
11. Increase the quality instead of the quantity of time spent on a lesson.
- Give fewer and shorter homework assignments.
- Allow the student to stop practice of an activity once he/she has demonstrated the mastery of the skill.
- Reduce the assignment into manageable sections with specific due dates.
12. Break long assignments into smaller, less complex segments.
- Give the student only the amount of work that can be done at one sitting.
- Give only one assignment at a time.
13. On worksheets and tests use large type, keep the page format simple and make sure the directions are clear and key words are underlined.
- Help with test directions by labeling, highlighting or adding color.
- Have the student underline or rewrite directions before beginning a task.
14. Be flexible with assignments, scheduling and grading.
15. Make sure academic tasks are designed for manageability and clarity.
16. Make sure that the tasks fit the learning abilities and style of the student. Reduce the difficulty of assignments if necessary.
17. Allow students with ADHD / ADD more time on tests and other assignments when necessary.
18. Create a daily check sheet for students to keep track of assignments, grades, and targeted behavior. Each day the student reviews the check sheet and uses it to decide what to take home for study purposes. Parents are expected to review and sign the check sheet daily. Include:
- A column that lists all of the student's classes.
- A column for the student's grades.
- A column for criteria (e.g. is on time for class, came with appropriate materials, participates in instruction and discussion, completes homework, etc.)
- Space for the student to write in homework assignments.
19. For students with ADHD and ADD with poor handwriting (very common) reduce the need or amount of handwriting required.
- Requiring the student recopy material will make it worse, not better.
- Accept typed or tape-recorded assignments.
- Allow reduced standards of acceptable handwriting.
- Don't penalize student for mixing cursive and manuscript (accept any method of production).
- Have the student use a pencil with rubber grip.
For more teaching strategies, see my pages on
classroom environment, teaching style, and writing assignments and in-class work.
