homework tips for adhd

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Struggling to complete your homework : 10 ADHD friendly tips!

School , Youth March 21, 2022

Unlocking ADHD volunteer Vivien Loh writes about 10 easy tips that ADHDers can try out if they find it a struggle to concentrate and complete homework. 

ADHD students might often find themselves struggling to complete tasks and homework. Why so? ADHDers are interest-based learners, meaning, unless they’re excited about the homework they’re doing, it usually isn’t stimulating enough for their brains to keep them focused. As such, while doing homework, their brains often drift off and focus on something else more interesting. If you find yourself in such a situation, here are 10 tips that could help you: 

1. Create a study space

Find an area to complete your homework where other people won’t distract you. It’s important to organise this space, and make it your own so that it’s an area that’s fun to look at, further motivating you to start studying. You can add supplies you need, paste motivational quotes, play some soothing music and so much more! For example if you’re a person who’s an avid lover of nature, you can buy some plants to spruce up your study space. 

2. Challenge yourself 

Before starting, set a specific goal that you would like to achieve. It doesn’t have to be something long-term, it can be something daily, for example: completing 20 Science questions a day in a stipulated amount of time. Although setting goals and completing them bring a sense of satisfaction, ensure that the goals you set are attainable and realistic!

3. Create accountability 

Creating accountability is important because it ensures that you are keeping your progress in check, and meeting deadlines. This can come about in many different ways – for one, you could do daily challenges with a friend, and cheer each other on. Another effective method would be sticker charts, which also creates a sense of accomplishment. 

4. Break it into smaller pieces

Before starting to work on your assignments, divide them into smaller tasks. Each assignment looks daunting at first, but after breaking them down into more tangible, mini tasks, you’ll have more motivation to finish them all. This will also give you a better idea of how long you will take to complete each mini task, allowing you to have better time management. 

5. Add some movement 

Between assignments, give yourself short breaks, during which you can move about. Such movement releases neurotransmitters in your brain, in turn helping you with your focus. You could try using a fidget, pace around the room while reading, or even having short dance breaks.

6. Find a study buddy 

Studying with someone else adds accountability – you can check in on one another and motivate each other to keep going. In the event that you prefer to work on your own, there are many applications that make great study buddies on their own, such as Quizlet, Kahoot and Quia, just to name a few. 

7. Reward yourself for your effort 

Make the reward something you genuinely like, so that you’ll actually want to earn it. However, ensure that your reward isn’t accessible at all times, and to help with this, you can ask your parents to keep your reward away from you, and only give it back once your task is complete. 

8. Create a homework tracking system 

To make things less overwhelming, write down all your assignments. This helps you see how much work there really is as it’s penned down clearly, and not all in your head. You can write them down in a planner as well, so that at the same time, you can organise specific days to complete your homework. 

9. Don’t be afraid to mix it up 

Instead of doing 1 subject throughout your study session, try switching back and forth between 2-3 subjects to create variety. If you only have assignments from one subject, you can add in short 10-minute breaks into the mix, and do activities during this time such as colouring or playing an instrument. 

9. Respect your downtime 

Last but not least, don’t feel guilty when you’re taking a break. During exam seasons, it’s common to fall into the trap of feeling bad when you’re resting, but always remember that taking breaks is part of the process. Without them, your brain won’t have the ability to remember everything you’ve learnt. Respect your rest time, and fully relax during them so that you’re well-rested before your next study session! 

With the homework tips above, we hope that ADHDers will find doing homework less of a feat, and find success in completing homework and assignments on time. 

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(Content has been adapted from How to ADHD on Youtube, graphics by Cara. )  

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*DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Should you suspect that you have ADHD, consider seeking the advice of a trained healthcare professional with any questions you may have about your condition.

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3 Homework Strategies for Teens With ADHD

How they can get their homework done..

Posted September 28, 2023 | Reviewed by Ray Parker

• What Is ADHD?
• Find counselling to overcome ADHD
• Completing homework can be difficult for kids with ADHD.
• Phones can be a major distraction for children with ADHD, so take them away before they start working.
• With the body-double method, a child works on their homework in the same room with another person.

It’s the start of a new school year, the honeymoon phase is slowly beginning to fade, and the rigor of academics is taking off. Every year, I begin the new school year with a mountain-high amount of hope that the summer served as a source of maturation and consolidation of a new set of skills. In many ways, I’m correct and my three children show a new level of growth.

For kids with attention -deficit/hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD ), or executive functioning struggles, the start of a new school year often comes with a greater need for organization of school materials, time management , prioritization, and study skills.

One thing I hear from parents is that their child may spend hours "working" on homework and have nothing to show for it. How can that be? Well, I went to my best source of information: adolescents.

The responses were honest and raw. I heard that they start their homework, but then the phone dings, or they get an idea about a show or a game, and look it up (because they can). Before they know it, so much time has passed and little or no progress on their assignments has been made.

This is usually the time when a parent checks in and the young man or lady tries to "look" busy, but truly, no real work has been done. Or, teens have said to me that’s when they “bark” at their parents and ask to be left alone. Part of that response is the awareness that they have been sitting in front of their homework for a while but little has been done, and the other part is pure frustration and procrastination .

And this cycle continues on and on, for hours. Sound familiar?

Let’s talk about a few strategies that you can initiate at home that will help with building those executive functioning skills while getting their homework done.

The Body Double Method

Some of us get the most done when nobody is around, with no sound, in the silence. For some of our children and adolescents with ADHD, it helps to have another person in the same room or nearby.

Perhaps it’s knowing that the person is present and can check in at any time that maintains focus and improves productivity . Some of us need the presence of another person to regulate and ground us. That person doesn’t have to say or do anything, they just need to exist. This is known as our body double.

Speaking from experience, my preference is to set my computer at the kitchen counter and work while my kids are around me. I have always preferred the buzz of other people in the background, rather than working alone.

My son, on the other hand, prefers to work in his room because he finds our "human sounds" too distracting. My daughter likes to work on her homework sprawled out, in the middle of my kitchen floor. We each have our preferences and those preferences can even shift from assignment to assignment.

If you’re not sure if your child or adolescent needs you to serve as her body double, ask her. If she isn’t sure, experiment. That is, set your child up on the same floor as you are, perhaps at the kitchen table or in your dining room (or another room that has a table and a chair). Ask your child to complete one assignment and then assess it. Was it helpful to work near you or was it too distracting?

If your child responds that he was able to get through his assignment quickly and with focus, you have your answer. Now you know that your child is going to need to set up at a table or workspace somewhere by you, instead of sending her up to her room.

Put the Phone Down and Nobody Gets Hurt

Distractions are around our children with ADHD all the time. The chirping bird or the passing truck can very easily result in a turned head. For many of our children and adolescents, their ability to filter out background sound is difficult.

They may hear all sounds in the environment at an equal level. Imagine if you couldn’t filter out the buzzing of the lawnmower while you were sending an email. It can be overwhelming and exhausting.

Now, let’s compound that with a vibrating phone or the "ping" that signals your child that someone has reacted to the last SnapChat—omg, I need to check. The temptation is there to check Instagram every time your child doesn’t want to start a writing assignment or finds that chapter in social studies really boring .

Let’s take away a layer of distraction that is tangible. Ask your child to turn their phone in once they begin their homework. All of the texts and other social media notifications will be there once they return, but in the meantime, their homework will get done.

Estimate and Time It

Children with ADHD tend to think that any assignment will take the figurative "five minutes." How many times have you thought, “You’re going to finish a paper that was assigned two weeks ago in an hour?”

He may think that it will take "five minutes" given that his sense of time is not entirely accurate. To build that sense of time, I like to ask students, “How long do you think this math worksheet will take?”

Whatever the answer is, set the timer to that estimated time and let the child work. Once time is up, ask him to assess, “How far did you get on this worksheet?” If you notice he’s completed half, ask him, “It looks like you finished about half of the problems in X minutes. How much longer do you think you’ll need?”

This will begin to develop that sense of time and what is a realistic amount of time to finish different assignments. It may also take him another 50 practice runs just like this until that sense of time begins to develop.

But by the 51st time, your child may be able to say, “I think it’s going to take 15 minutes so it’s going to take 30 minutes. Whatever I think, I double it.”

Setting the timer also gives your child a sense of beginning and end. For students who struggle to begin a task, this can motivate them to begin, and for the student who struggles to sustain attention to an assignment, this gives an end in sight. Setting the timer can also bring a sense of levity to homework in that the goal is to complete the assignment before the bell rings.

For an assignment that requires a longer time to complete, set the timer for the duration of your child’s attention span. If she can work on one task for 30 minutes, set the timer for 30 minutes and go.

Once the time is up, ask your child to walk away from her work area, set the timer for five minutes, and take a break. During that break, encourage your child to move around, engage in jumping jacks, or stare out the window, but do not engage in anything electronically based. Then, set the timer for another 30 minutes, and repeat this cycle until the assignment is completed.

Try using any or all of these strategies at home, but introduce one at a time so as not to overwhelm your child. Once you introduce the strategy, don’t do it for them, but rather model how to do it so there is a level of ownership.

For example, if you want to help your son plan the upcoming week, you can stand by the whiteboard but hand the red marker to him and ask, “Do you have anything in math coming up?” If he says yes, ask him to write it. You ask, he answers, he writes.

To turn any of these strategies into a habit, practice the skill for two weeks at the very least, consistently. If it works, keep it. If it doesn’t, scrap it and try another strategy. It’s a journey but along the way, you will ultimately put your child in the driver’s seat.

Liz Nissim-Matheis, Ph.D. , is a licensed Clinical Psychologist and certified School Psychologist in private practice in New Jersey.

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Home / Expert Articles / Conditions / Diagnoses / ADHD / ADD

Simple Homework Tips for Kids with ADD and ADHD

By robert myers, phd.

Homework can be difficult for most kids during the school year, but it can become a major challenge when you have a child with ADHD. But here’s some good news for exhausted parents: if you take the right steps now, at the beginning of the school year, homework hassles can be kept to a minimum. The key is to be organized and plan ahead to minimize the frustration your child is bound to experience around multiple homework assignments. Begin by tackling the two most important places: school and home with these homework tips for kids with ADHD and ADD .

At the beginning of the school year, meet with your child’s teacher (or teachers) to find out what the expectations are regarding homework. Try to work out a system where they can let you know in advance what homework will be assigned either on a week-to-week basis or for the whole semester. Many teachers are even willing to keep you informed by e-mail. You should check with your child’s teachers periodically to make sure that things are going well. And definitely remember to ask them to inform you whether assignments are being turned in on time.

Another big problem for kids with ADHD is that they often forget to bring their books home. You may be able to work out with the school, particularly if your child has a 504 plan, to get an extra set of books. This way, your child will have a set of books at school and a set of books at home.

Children with attention disorders, particularly those with a 504 plan, are entitled to accommodations to make school demands appropriate to their abilities. So for example, in math or other subjects with long lists of questions or problems, the accommodation states that the school must allow the child to do every other question or problem, rather than the entire list that’s been assigned. Talk to your child’s teachers about your child’s abilities and the accommodations that can be made. It can make the difference between enduring endless hours of frustration at homework time and having your child succeed.

Moving now to the home front, it’s important, if possible, to have a quiet time in the home where there’s no TV and no other media to distract your child. You might even stop phone calls during homework time. And if you have a project that you’ve brought home from work, consider doing it while your child is doing his schoolwork. (But be available for help if necessary.) This helps younger children with ADHD to understand that homework is a normal part of life—just another responsibility that needs to be met, and it also sets the right mood for focusing and concentration.

It’s best to have a scheduled time for homework and a quiet place to do it. For older kids, it may even be a good idea to set up their own “office”. This could be a space in their room, the living room or kitchen where they do their homework on a regular basis. You might even put up a bulletin board with all their long-term assignments and due dates. What this provides is a way to make it easy to have all the materials they need and to keep them on task.

If you know what your child’s assignments are, you should review them together. Make sure that they understand what they need to do. In particular, be certain they understand the directions completely. If they have homework for several different subjects, you can eliminate much of the hassle simply by helping them to organize their time.

It may be a good idea to break homework into sections. You can set aside time for each specific subject, with some relaxation breaks in between. High school age kids with ADHD certainly can do an hour of homework at a time without a break, while first graders may only be able to go for 10 to 15 minutes without a break. You need to determine what you feel is a reasonable amount of study time for your child, and then help him or her to manage their time appropriately. When they complete their homework successfully, use fun activities such as on TV or video games (or whatever your child enjoys) as a reward.

Finally, a big problem for kids with ADHD is that even when they get the homework completed, they forget to turn it in to the teacher. It’s wise to have a notebook with a clipboard or a separate folder for homework for your child. Remind him or her to check the clipboard or folder at school for each class to be sure that they turned in all the work. Then, before they leave school, they should check it once again. If they find any assignments that were not turned in they should take it to the teacher or the office and hand it in before they leave the campus. Most teachers will accept an assignment later in the day from a child they know to be attempting to cope with ADHD.

The internet also has great resources to help you and your child gather information for homework projects. These include Kid Info www.kidinfo.com , Fact Monster www.factmonster.com and Searching for Stuff-Kid’s search tools www.slco.lib.ut.us/kids_search.htm .

Related Content: 8 Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD ADHD, LDs, ODD? How to Stop Doing Too Much for Your Special Needs Kid

About Robert Myers, PhD

Dr. Robert Myers is a child psychologist with more than 30 years of experience working with children and adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD - ADHD) and learning disabilities. Dr. Myers is Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at UC Irvine School of Medicine. "Dr. Bob" has provided practical information for parents as a radio talk show host and as editor of Child Development Institute's website, childdevelopmentinfo.com . Dr. Myers earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.

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keepingthefaith My 12-yr old is officially diagnosed with ASD/Anxiety/Mood Disorder/Depression.  I recently withdrew him from public school.  The admin was using detention and taking away his break time to motivate him to do his work at school.  He has an IEP for every accommodation conceivable, but he was refusing to write More paragraphs and essays.  I pulled him out after the school took away his "safe room" and started piling on consequences.  My question is, how am I going to get him to write paragraphs and essays when we start homeschooling?  He sees a behavioral therapist and a psychiatrist and is on meds to focus.  He is a bright boy, usually coring three grade levels ahead.

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10 Study Tips for Children and Teens with ADHD

Whether your children are returning to in-person learning, e-learning, homeschooling, or a hybrid combination, there’s one thing that remains constant: homework. And study tips for ADHD can make all the difference for children and teens with ADHD.

In this article, we’ll cover 10 study tips for ADHD to make your child’s study time and homework time more productive — and more peaceful.

1. Create a “Study Only” Space

Distractions are one of the biggest road blocks when it comes to homework. Toys, TV, and even siblings who want to play can hinder study time. Children with ADHD are more likely to be distracted by their surroundings. The key is to create a “study only” space to help limit distractions. Trying to study in the family room while a sibling is playing or watching TV can be a big temptation.

Instead, create a comfortable place where your child can work with few distractions. Use this as a quiet place to work far away from noise and movement. Your child can clear his or her mind and focus on the tasks at hand.

Study spaces can include a quiet living room, the dining room table, or even the den (as long as the TV is off!).

Don’t do homework in the bedroom. The bedroom is a place for sleep and relaxation — not school work and stress. Study Tip

2. Make a Study/Homework Schedule

Most children thrive with consistency. And for children with ADHD, it’s even more essential to have a consistent routine. Adding a dedicated study/homework time to your child’s after school schedule helps to start his or her focus. Set a time each day for your child to study, whether he’s e-learning, in-person learning, or homeschooling. This is one of the best study tips for ADHD!

3. Add Breaks to Your Schedule

ADHD can make it hard to focus, especially if your child is studying a subject that’s not-so-interesting to him. Breaks are a must to help maintain focus and avoid burnout. Add a break time and encourage your child to eat a snack or even go for a quick walk with you. This quick little break allows the mind reset! Bonus: if you choose to move around for the break, it will help burn off extra energy.

We just covered the importance of adding a break to a long study session. Now we’re going to discuss the importance of starting the study session already fueled up and ready to go. If your child is hungry, he’s less likely to have a good study session. Healthy, nutrient-dense snacks are the best brain fuel.

Choose healthy foods that won’t crash his or her blood sugar. Certified Health Coach Pam Valdes suggests, “A combo of protein and complex carb (fiber-rich) snacks fuel energy and help stabilize blood sugar levels. For this reason, fruit and nut combinations work really well , such as apple & peanut butter, grapes & pecans, orange & almonds, pear & walnuts.”

5. Organize the Homework Station

Study tip #5 is all about organization. When you create a homework station for your child, organization is key to his or her success. Organize school supplies with:

• Colored folders or binders
• Colored notebooks or dividers
• Colorful labels
• Pencil case or pencil/pen caddy

However you decide to organize the station, it’s important that everything has a proper place. When everything — whether that’s a pencil or a notebook — has a place, your child spends more time studying and less time looking for lost pencils or books. This includes having a spot to hang up your child’s backpack.

6. Encourage and Support Your Child

A positive, supportive environment is a crucial ingredient to your child’s study area. Encourage your child to always try his or her best, and this is one study tip that can go far. When your child feels encouraged and supported, he’s more likely to see study time as a positive thing. If your child struggles, it’s okay to offer age appropriate help. Encourage your child look at challenges in a positive light to keep him or her motivated and develop a growth mindset .

Here are eight phrases that you can use to inspire and encourage your child:

• I can see you’re really trying!
• Keep on trying!
• You almost got it!
• I can see you tried hard.
• I appreciate your hard work on this project.
• How do you feel about that?
• I’m glad you enjoy learning!
• I’ll bet you knew you could do it!

If your child is struggling, don’t hesitate to stay in contact with your child’s teacher. When you know what’s going on in the classroom, it’s easy to spot red flags when they arise.

7. Understand Your Child’s Learning Style

Did you know that there are several different learning styles? Auditory, visual, or even kinesthetic — they are all valid and common ways of learning. Change studying habits to fit his or her learning style. For example, if your child is a kinesthetic learner, you can encourage the use of models or physical touch. You might also encourage your child to write down the facts he is trying to memorize. Use a finger to physically touch the items he is counting. According to Houghton College , movement can also help increase focus and attention while studying. This includes:

• Chewing gum
• Tapping a pencil
• Pacing (perhaps while you orally quiz your child on their test materials)

On the other hand, a visual learner may do better reading his or her own notes from class rather than an oral review.

The bottom line: Every child learns differently. Studying in a way that works for him or her can help improve both understanding and retention.

8. Know When It’s Time to End a Study Session

Children with ADHD can become easily frustrated or struggle to manage emotions. Encourage your child to keep going, but don’t push your child too much. If he or she has hit his or her limit, it’s okay to end a study session.

Praise your child after he or she finishes his or her homework or completes a study session, but remember to praise progress and effort.

9. Teach Your Child New Study Skills

Take each study session to the next level by teaching your child new study skills. A few examples of study skills include: mnemonic devices, effective reading, practicing concentration techniques, and efficient note-taking.

If your child is e-learning, there may be an adjustment as he or she learns to take notes via online classes. Be sure your child has plenty of notebooks, highlighters, and other tools for good note-taking.

10. Need More Than Just Study Tips for ADHD? Get Help If Your Child Needs It

Are you searching for actionable strategies to help your child with ADHD study better? In addition to practicing these study tips and strategies, your child may benefit from professional care. Here at Next Step 4 ADHD, we take multidisciplinary and holistic approach to your child’s ADHD treatment. Dr. Kristi Briscoe   is a board-certified pediatrician specializing in effective medication management, parent coaching, and proven strategies to motivate and encourage children with ADHD.

We also offer coaching and therapy. You can see our multidisciplinary team of compassionate and expert providers here.

To make an appointment, call us at   502-907-5908 . You can also request an appointment here.

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Conquering Distractions: 11 Homework Tips for Students with ADHD

20 November, 2023

About 6 million children have been diagnosed with ADHD. While children with ADHD are beyond capable of succeeding in school, many of them struggle. The challenges regarding focus and time management can be overwhelming.

If you’re the parent of a student with ADHD, you’ve likely seen them struggle. Even figuring out how to focus on homework with ADHD can seem like an overwhelming task. How can you help your child stay on track so they can thrive at school?

We’ve compiled a list of our top tips that can help you minimize distractions and make the most out of your child’s study time. Read on to learn more.

1. Create a Structured Routine

Routine is important for anyone, especially children. However, neurodivergent children (like those with ADHD) have an even more intense need for a structured routine. It helps keep them on task.

Establish a consistent daily routine for homework. Set specific times for starting and finishing, and try to stick to it. Routines provide a sense of predictability, and that predictability can help students with ADHD better manage their time.

At first, try to maintain the schedule even on days without homework. The designated “homework time” can be used for studying, independent work , reading, or other quiet activities. You want to keep up with the consistent schedule even when it isn’t 100% necessary.

Once the student is able to complete their work during the allotted time, you can start easing up on the schedule on days when it’s not necessary. If you notice that they’re starting to struggle again, revisit the strict and consistent schedule.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

People with ADHD often experience a type of “task paralysis.” Even if a task seems small and manageable to a neurotypical person, the person with ADHD may find it overwhelming (even if they’re more than capable of it). Something as small as writing an outline can feel like climbing a mountain without climbing gear, so they’ll procrastinate .

Break down larger assignments into smaller and more manageable tasks. This can make the workload seem less overwhelming and make it easier to stay focused on one task at a time. This way, the student won’t get too ahead of themself and try to focus on too many things at once.

For example, let’s revisit the outline. “Write an outline” is a somewhat complex task, so how can you simplify it? Consider all of the small steps that go into it and break them down into a checklist that looks something like this:

• Gather your writing materials
• Collect your research
• Collect your notes
• Brainstorm section themes or ideas
• Bulletpoint your ideas within each section
• Brainstorm a thesis based on those ideas

These smaller tasks are far easier to address one by one.

Speaking of breaking down tasks, try to identify the most important tasks and prioritize them. Tackling high-priority assignments first can provide a sense of accomplishment and reduce anxiety about looming deadlines. In other words, conquering today’s homework should come before working on the assignment due in two weeks (and it’s likely much easier, so the student will feel accomplished).

3. Use a Planner or Organizer

Planners and organizers can be game-changing for students with ADHD. Unfortunately, those students are also the ones who struggle the most to use those tools! It takes some amount of focus to even use a planner, but it’s worth it.

Keep a physical planner or use digital tools to help organize assignments, due dates, and important tasks. In many cases, a physical planner is best. Writing in a physical planner is a mindful activity and the physical act of writing may help students remember things better.

That said, a digital planner is better than no planner at all. For some people, the notifications are far more helpful than the tactile sensation of writing. Students should, ideally, try both methods and see what works best for them.

This can help in planning and prioritizing work, reducing the likelihood of forgetting assignments. Make sure the student gets in the habit of writing everything down, no matter how small. Every task, event, and activity should go in the planner while the student is getting in the habit of using it.

4. Designate a Dedicated Study Space

This is crucial. Students, especially those with ADHD, can really benefit from having a special study space. No more doing homework in bed or on the couch if the student is struggling to stay on task.

A special study room or office is best, but this isn’t an option for everyone. If you live in a smaller home, you may need to settle for a study corner. Even a small desk with everything the student needs to complete their tasks is enough.

Create a quiet and organized study environment free from distractions. This space should be associated specifically with work to help trigger a focused mindset. When the student sits down, they’re in work mode.

School supplies should be at arm’s reach so the student doesn’t have to go wandering. The area should be pleasant, but not distracting. This should be a relatively quiet space (unless the student fares better with background noise).

5. Take Regular Breaks

Sitting down for long periods of time working on a single task can be challenging for anyone, but it’s especially challenging for students with ADHD. After a certain point, focus just disappears. Taking breaks is crucial, and while it may seem distracting, it can actually help the student stay on task.

Incorporate short breaks into study sessions. Short, frequent breaks can help manage restlessness and maintain concentration. Use a timer to remind the student to take breaks and return to tasks.

Work in short, focused bursts using the Pomodoro Technique . Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a 5-minute break. After completing four cycles, take a longer break.

If that particular technique doesn’t work, try different intervals until something “clicks.” During those breaks, the student can do whatever they like as long as it doesn’t exceed the break time. Movement breaks (more on that later), game breaks, or even just quick naps during longer breaks are all valid options.

6. Use Visual Aids and Timers

Sometimes people with ADHD have a hard time conceptualizing things. Visual aids can help them with that.

Visual aids, such as charts, diagrams, or color-coded notes, can help with organization and understanding concepts. Timers can be used to create a sense of urgency and structure for tasks.

These are all little things that are easy enough to modify for each individual student. Even a visual schedule with whiteboard markers and magnets can be great.

Try a variety of different visual aids until one “sticks.” You may have to cycle through them if one stops being effective.

7. Incorporate Movement

Let’s talk about movement. Many people with ADHD benefit from movement of some kind when they’re trying to focus. To onlookers, they seem fidgety and distracted, but they’re actually trying to improve their focus.

Allow for movement breaks during study sessions. Activities like stretching, walking, or fidgeting with a stress ball can help release excess energy and improve focus. Even a brief “workout session” in the middle of homework time (like some jumping jacks or a short run) can make a big difference in the student’s focus when they return to their work.

You can also incorporate movement during study sessions, not just during the breaks. Fidget toys or workout tools that can fit under a desk (such as a walking pad or an under-desk cycling machine) can work well for this. Students can continue working while also getting rid of some of that extra energy.

Even small forms of movement, like chewing gum, can help with focus. Don’t expect your child to sit still while they work. It won’t automatically mean that they’re learning better or working harder.

8. Establish a Reward System

Who doesn’t love a reward? Reward systems offer positive reinforcement for good behavior. In this case, that behavior is completing tasks. Associate those tasks with nice things.

Offer the student small rewards after finishing specific assignments or reaching certain milestones. You can start with the small “mini-tasks” that we discussed earlier. When you first start establishing the reward system, you can even reward behaviors like getting school supplies together or writing something down in the planner.

As the student becomes more organized, you can start focusing on the larger tasks. You can also offer different levels of rewards. Perhaps small tasks get rewards like stickers or candies while larger tasks could have small monetary rewards.

You can also have the rewards stack up by using a point system. This way you can focus more on larger rewards and the child learns how to delay their gratification for a larger reward in the future. Delayed gratification is something that many people with ADHD struggle with.

9. Use Focus Tools and Apps

Consider encouraging the use of tools and apps designed to improve focus and productivity. Some apps offer features like task management, time tracking, and reminders.

This can be challenging as many children with ADHD can go a bit overboard when it comes to their digital devices . If you think they’ll be too distracting, you may want to focus on other methods and ideas for now until the student is better at managing their own time.

To avoid this problem, you can focus on apps that limit the student’s devices. There are apps that make phones and computers unusable within certain time blocks or only allows the use of certain things (such as Microsoft Word or other study-friendly tools).

Eventually, you want the student to be able to limit their own technology use while they’re studying, but adding some programs like this can certainly help.

10. Avoid Unnecessary Distractions

How many distractions are surrounding your child when they’re trying to get their work done? Try to see things from their perspective.

Where is their study area? If it’s in front of a window, is it somewhere they can see other kids playing outside while they’re stuck inside working? Is it too close to the television or other devices, enough so that they can watch from their desk?

How about their small devices? Where is their phone when they’re working? Can they see or hear any video game consoles while they’re trying to do their homework? If they have toys, are they near enough to play with?

You want to minimize any and all distractions within the study space. Remember that kids with ADHD often struggle with delaying gratification, so even if they know and understand that they shouldn’t be playing with anything until they’re done with their work or on a break, they may struggle to stick with that.

11. Seek Support

Your child doesn’t have to deal with their ADHD alone. With proper support, they can thrive in the classroom.

Communicate with teachers about any challenges and discuss possible accommodations or support for the student with ADHD. Having a support system can make the learning environment more conducive to focus.

Consider ADHD coaching or extra tutoring. A coach or tutor can help the student gain ADHD-friendly study skills and executive functioning skills for students that will make homework time far easier and more productive. That extra boost can make a big difference.

Always remember to use your resources. The more people you have in your student’s “corner,” the better.

That’s How to Focus on Homework With ADHD

Learning how to focus on homework with ADHD can be a huge challenge. These tips can help you help your child so they can improve their study skills, get better scores on homework, and thrive in school.

ADHD can make doing homework harder, but with the right resources and support, there’s no reason that a student with ADHD can’t succeed.

We want to offer that support. At Peak Academic Coaching, we help students develop executive functioning skills for ADHD so they can do their best in school. Reach out to us today to get more info so your child can start with one of our coaches!

Get Started Today

To learn more about the programs offered by Peak Academic Coaching, visit our Academic Coaching and Executive Functioning Skills Coach pages. We also specialize in academic coaching for students with ADHD .

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5 strategies to make homework easier for adhd kids (and parents).

Home work. Those two words seem mismatched.

Home is where you can chill, be yourself, and get a little break from “work.”

Coming home from their 30-hour a week "job," many children crave down time. They want a break from "work" – from being "on" or putting effort into paying attention for six hours!

So who can blame kids for not wanting to do their homework ?

As parents, we understand that homework reinforces lessons learned from the school day. Revisiting material and practicing skills is fruitful. However, if you have a child (or more), you probably have stories that prove otherwise. Especially with screens as part of the equation.

Attention-challenged children struggle because of problems unrelated to the specific homework assignment:

• Dis tracted by the internet
• Dis enchanted with the topic
• Dis engaged during the lesson at school
• Dis mayed by how long it takes to answer a single question
• Dis combobulated from trying to categorize what is most important

Homework also assumes that all children have stay-at-home moms who are “on call” to help – which is not exactly true in this day and age!

Since our smart but scattered children aren't naturally supplied with minds that can keep track of due dates and directions, here are some homework strategies to ease the challenges ADHD kids face. But remember – the most important thing you can do to help your child, by far, is to notice what she or he does well, and encourage it.

Article continues below...

Want to stop school struggles.

Download a free tipsheet "10 Parenting Tips for School Success" to stop constant challenges at school and at home!

Here are 5 homework strategies for ADHD kids to get you started:

• Right after school or later ?
• Broken into time segments?
• With or without music?
• At a desk or the kitchen counter?
• Allow them to change it up from day to day

Foster Independence

Around 5th grade, a major goal can be independence with homework. From start to finish, the parent should assist – not nag to completion. You can gradually help your child less and less, and still expect high quality work.

• Note: this may be delayed for many kids with Executive Function challenges
• From start to finish, the parent should assist – not nag to completion.
• Gradually help less and less, and still expect high quality work.
• Goal: Only help when your child asks for it.
• Remember that it's their work – not yours.
• Digital post-it notes for work for some students – they see them on their desktop when they arrive at the screen.
• Reward for independently using processes and organization strategies, sticking to a time schedule, and being focused on online resources (rather than Youtube, etc.).

Visual Charts

• Calendars or bulleted lists help enormously. Student planners and online calendars tend to be "out of sight and out of mind."
• Large white boards are great, ideally one for each child.
• Designate a special place on the wall for it. Use it to make charts that track homework topics or nightly reading.
• Use abbreviations and humor to simplify and keep your child's attention.
• Boxes on the chart can also list homework assignments.
• Have your child write estimates for how long they should take to finish.
• It's beneficial to an ADD mind to track time elapsing. After the work is done, write down how long it actually took to track time management.

Physical Space

• Comfortable, flat surface
• Well-lit from above
• Not too far from the printer, if a middle or high schooler
• Quiet (except possible headphones)
• Free from distraction
• Stocked with needed materials
• Fidgets that help focus (not distract)

Paperwork – Breathe, and Scan Everything!

• Keeping track of the endless reading logs, rubrics, drafts, and study sheets seems impossible!
• Maintaining their original condition is even more difficult. This is where technology is your friend.
• Teachers who post documents on their websites are saviors. Scan any blank reading logs or assignments to keep on record at home.
• It also helps to color code folders and notebooks for some children.

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Smart Homework Strategies for Teachers & Parents: A Free Handout

Research suggests that homework is counterproductive in elementary school. still, many teachers use it to gauge comprehension and independent learning. you need to read this if nightly assignments are taking too long, ruining your family time, and/or making your child hate school., homework ideas that work, how can parents and teachers team up to create a homework routine that works download this handout, and get more school and learning strategies from additude via email..

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Homework requires students to copy assignments correctly, maintain focus after a long school day, and hand in work on time — all difficult tasks for kids with poor memory, focus, and attention to detail.

Fortunately, there are concrete strategies that teachers can implement in the classroom and that parents can turn to at home. Some strategies highlighted in this resource include creating behavior charts, trimming assignments for comprehension over completion, constructing a designated homework space at home, and allowing completed assignments to be scanned and emailed.

Print out this free handout, check off more tips you think would work best for your child, and then discuss them with your child’s teacher.

NOTE: This resource is for personal use only.

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