Encouraging Homework
Concerned teachers and parents have asked for ideas for helping youngsters with autism complete homework assignments. Some students have difficulty focusing and completing a task without minute-to-minute supervision. Others resist sitting down to do homework, some to the extent of melting down every evening. Some of the youngsters don’t seem to comprehend the information at home although, based on their grades and teacher report, they seem to understand the subject matter while in class. These issues can raise stress levels and create conflict on school nights.
Listen Now:
or
continue reading
Although homework can be challenging for all parents, families of children with autism face even more challenges for several reasons. (1) Individuals with autism often resist changes in routine. (2) Some youngsters may need some help comprehending and completing the assignments. (3) Some students may need some encouragement to focus on and complete a task. (4) Some youngsters who seem to understand the subject matter in class may not transfer that comprehension to the home setting where all the information is out of context. (5) Stress increases in the evenings as deadlines loom, so some individuals with autism will “melt-down” at the most inopportune times.
It is up to teachers to take all these factors into consideration when assigning homework. And it is up to family members to set the tone for homework each evening. Here are three strategies that you might want to consider when setting up your regular evening routine.
TURN OFF THE TELEVISION. All kids, especially those functioning on the spectrum of autism, are easily distracted by television. Your children are far more important than your favorite television stars. Television shows rerun. Children’s lives do not.
TABLE TIME. Treat homework like an adventure, not a punishment. Gather around the table every evening for everyone in the family to do “homework.” Parents can write letters, pay bills, or read the newspaper. If your youngsters don’t have much homework, play an educational game, color a picture for grandma, or read a Ranger Rick magazine or a chapter of My Side of the Mountain each night.
WATCH WARNINGS. It is very counterproductive to issue threats like “You won’t get to watch television until you finish your homework.” The key to decreasing the stress and increasing the adventure of homework is to avoid the question all kids dread, “Have you finished your homework yet?” Instead, make it a regular routine to gather around the kitchen table every night with a snack and books and enjoy the studies.
We realize, of course, that all of these strategies are easier said, than done. We welcome your ideas or challenges related to homework issues. Send an e-mail to talk@FAQautism.com
NOTE TO READERS AND LISTENERS: I am Cathy Knoll, a board certified music therapist and long-time friend of many folks with autism. At FAQautism.com we are committed to providing free, practical, everyday tips for making life better for people with autism. You can click on a button to send me an email with your thoughts or challenging situations or innovative solutions. Check out our website for a wealth of ideas and a glimpse into the world of autism. www.FAQautism.com
Automatically generated related posts:
- Homework, Part 2 Part 1 of this discussion about homework...
- Homework Battles “Our evenings seem to just turn into...
- Homework Wars Most youngsters, including those with autism, balk...
- Family Homework It is amazing how much can be...
- Homework Part 1 With just a few exceptions, kids resist...