ADHD homework strategies: Tips to help a child study
Children with ADHD may find it difficult to concentrate on homework. This is because they often have difficulty maintaining attention and may feel restless.
It’s important to ensure your child has the time to relax and can develop a relationship with homework that lets them thrive.
There are many ways that parents can help their children to concentrate outside the classroom. We’ve put together a list of methods to improve attention span, reduce fidgeting, and help with after-school fatigue.
Table of contents
- ADHD homework tips for organised work
- How to positively reinforce your child’s homework efforts
- ADHD homework strategies in school
- Looking for ADHD support for your child?
ADHD homework tips for organised work
Here are our ADHD homework strategies. They can help to improve concentration, and reduce burnout:
Set up a dedicated workspace
Having a set homework area can be helpful for your child’s concentration. This area should be away from typical household distractions. These distractions could be other siblings, television, or high foot traffic zones like the kitchen. You can even personalise the space with items that make them feel comfortable, and all the educational supplies they’ll need.
Minimise distractions
Reducing distractions is key to improving concentration. Their workspace should be distraction-free, with controlled noise levels. You could even consider using visual barriers like partitions to block out surrounding distractions. Make sure to limit screen time until an appropriate amount of work has been completed.
Study around medication times
Timing homework around medication schedules can significantly improve focus. Most ADHD medications have peak effectiveness at a certain period after they are taken. Each medication is different. But, by familiarising yourself with how they work and affect your child, you may be able to plan homework sessions to coincide with the times when medication is most effective.
Take breaks
Regular breaks are essential for children with ADHD when studying. They help to prevent burnout and maintain concentration. Plan short breaks at regular intervals to help your child recharge. A common approach is working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break.
Keep a schedule
Consistent schedules can help children with ADHD manage their time. They can also help to reduce anxiety. By having a daily after-school routine, it helps children know what to expect. Visual schedules such as calendars and charts can be a great way for children to stay organised.
Organised folders
Keeping homework and assignments organised is highly recommended. Organised folders help children to stay on top of their tasks and reduce stress. You can consider using colour-coded folders, clear labels, and folders divided into sections. Ensure they are also using digital folders for any work that needs to be completed on a computer.
How to positively reinforce your child’s homework efforts
Positive reinforcement is great for improving motivation. But, it is also proven to be successful when helping children with ADHD complete their homework.
Use rewards for motivation
Using rewards is an effective way to motivate children to complete homework. Make sure to choose rewards that are meaningful and motivating for your child. These could range from small treats to extra playtime. You could even set a long-term goal for the term, which results in a day out of their choosing.
Praise their work
Celebrating the work of children with ADHD is a great way to boost their confidence. Reinforce positive behaviours and motivate continued effort. Highlighting the effort your child has put into the work rather than just the end result also encourages a growth mindset, rather than just trying to reach the finish line.
Know when to finish
Recognise when to finish working to prevent burnout and frustration. Establish clear time limits based on your child’s attention span. You can also divide homework assignments or study material into smaller chunks. Set goals for completing each chunk within a timeframe and take a short break before the next chunk.
ADHD homework strategies in school
It’s also important to communicate with your child’s teachers to find out what is working, and what isn’t. There are several ways your child’s homework concentration levels can be improved by implementing strategies that start at school:
Write down and plan homework
Your child's teacher will set the homework. But, you should ensure that they have a way to help your child fully understand what is required of them. Make sure your child's teacher is regularly reviewing and updating their homework plan, so tasks and assignments are completed on time.
Communicate with your child’s teacher
Regular communication with your child’s teacher is essential for understanding their progress. By recognising challenges in and out of the classroom, teachers and parents can discuss how to best support their children. Stay open-minded and approach communication with a willingness to listen. Try to acknowledge any issues early on and discuss the best ways to support your child in and out of the classroom.
Looking for ADHD support for your child?
It can be difficult for children, parents, and teachers to navigate ADHD. However, by all working together, your child can become much more focused on their school work.
Clinical Partners offers comprehensive ADHD support that understands the complexities of the condition.
Our dedicated team of mental health professionals specialises in providing ADHD referral services for children and young adults.
Contact our team of clinicians today.
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Clinically reviewed
- Amy Mowson