03 Jul 8 Strategies to Help a Child With ADHD Do Schoolwork
Brooklyn Letters
1139 Prospect Avenue, Brooklyn
-
We would highly recommend Ally! Our son always asks about her, so very thankful to Brooklyn Letters for introducing us.
~ Emily, mom of Brooklyn 2 year old -
Nicole has been an amazing therapist!! She played a tremendous role in our daughter’s speech progress and overall development. She has come such a long way and we are so happy with the therapy she received!
-
I cannot express how grateful and rewarding my experience with Brooklyn Letters has been. Her tutor Ms. Daria is so knowledgeable, amazing, kind and awesome. My daughter has made so much progress in Literacy and Math and it's all … More thanks to Ms. Daria. I know my daughter is sad that she can no longer work with Ms. Daria, as she looked forward to their sessions every week. Thank you again!
-
Excellent services, caring therapists.
-
Christina was absolutely wonderful. She went out of her way to win my son over and it worked. He looked forward to her visits and his speech improved so much under her care. She was super flexible and it’s clear she truly cares. We adore … More Christina and we’re going to miss her. Almost sad he improved so much! She’s simply amazing and we can’t say enough how great she is. I would recommend her services to anyone and everyone, without hesitation. Thank you so much for connecting us with her!
-
We could not be happier with the services Valerie provided! She is very thoughtful and knowledgeable and provided significant guidance to support our daughter's speech development outside of our scheduled sessions. She established … More a great working relationship with her, and she will definitely be missed! Your business model is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure working with Valerie. I've referred your organization and Valerie to the Executive Director of our daughter's school and friends/colleagues who are in need of speech therapy services.
-
We cannot say enough good things about Effie, the ASL teacher, who was so engaged and effective with our 2 year old daughter from the very first session! Effie gladly included our whole family in the sessions! Her expertise and fantastic … More personality gave our daughter a way to communicate that she was so desperately seeking. The coordinators at Brooklyn Letters were so helpful and communicative…I would highly recommend their services!
-
The company is great with outstanding customer service. They keep my horses protected. I have recommended them to other horses trainers as well that are going to get service early next year. Very professional an honest too. Respectfully … More submitted Christopher
-
Ron and Ken did a fantastic job with our security system today. Installed everything very quick. Both of them were very polite and asked us throughout if the installation met our needs. Simply fantastic!
-
I called Cornerstone Protection to get a Security system at a relatives out of state property, within a week it was installed! The installers worked with the client to help understand her new system and she was happy! Our relative said … More they were courteous, professional and patient! I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection for all of your security needs!
-
Had blink cameras; Car was broken into multiple times so I called CornerStone & they were able to install multiple cameras very quickly & for a reasonable price. I am so happy with the app & getting alerts that are not superfluous, … More like they were with Blink. Highly recommend CornerStone & the tech Ronnie.
-
Ron and Ken are great guys to work with.
Both were very knowledgeable and got our system back up and running.
Thanks to both for a job well done... -
Samantha Dalmas was fantastic! We saw her for a feeding therapy evaluation and while she doesn’t think my daughter needs more feeding therapy sessions at this time, but she gave me lots of tips to try. If my daughter's doctors want … More to see more progress at her next appointment, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to Samantha again.
-
Amazing assistance provided by Shannon today on my security system. I’m so grateful for your prompt, efficient, professional, and courteous service. Put me down as a customer for life!
-
One of the most painless experiences I've had. They came on time and was over the moon professional with still keeping a level of personability to it. The gentleman also went out of his way to say that my husband and Mines business … More was appreciated. Which is actually rare to be appreciated by such a great company. So thank you and we look forward to continuing services with this company.
-
I am so happy we decided to go with cornerstone. They were quick and efficient. Shannon and the installer we very friendly. We got a lot of equipment and it was still within our budget. 10/10 would definitely recommend! Thank you
-
Love the customer service and Shanon and his team go above and beyond for my restaurant. Couldn't of asked for a better security system and level of service that his team provides.
-
I have been using Cornerstone Protection service for over 5 years and I'm really happy with the service and state-of-the-art equipments and it's futures are so much in advance and friendly, I highly recommend Cornerstone Protection … More Service any and all business that need a security protection days and nights specially after business hours(Cornerstone Protection is perfect solution for your business). Owner of Cornerstone Protection is proactive with their customers and their equipments. Good experienced with Cornerstone Protection!!!
Kanu Patel -
We had a very positive experience with Alissa as a tutor for our pod of 5th grade boys from January - June 2020. She cared a lot about the boys and worked hard to create meaningful activities for them. The pod experience was invaluable … More for all of our families during a difficult year and we were so grateful to have found this partnership! We also want to appreciate Craig for helping to match us with a tutor on very short notice after we had cycled through a few folks who were not able to see the commitment through. Thanks for sticking with us!
-
Dusty was the exact person we needed to help our child finish out the school year. So grateful to him for the way he steadily encouraged her and helped her stay on track and organized. He is flexible, responsive to our needs/schedule as … More a family, and a delight to be with. We are also thankful that Craig at Themba Tutors really "gets it" and partnered us with such a wonderful tutor who was a great fit for our girl.
-
My child worked with Gillian D virtually for math enrichment. She is an excellent teacher. She took time to understand my child's specific learning style and provided tools that would be engaging. She was kind and empathetic- really … More made it her goal to connect with my child and build trust and rapport. My child started the school year with confidence and without the typically "brain-drain" that occurs over the summer, thanks to Gillian.
-
I am going into my second year as a Themba tutor. I have met so many great individuals while working for this company. Craig and the rest of the Themba team do such an excellent job picking and choosing Themba tutors that suit each client's … More individual needs! I look forward to meeting new tutors and clients in the 2021-2022 school year!
-
Our son started in a new high school, 100% remote, and was really struggling with Latin and Physics. I found Themba Tudors online and had an initial call with Craig, who was very knowledgeable, responsive, and found 2 amazing tutors for … More us. Both the Latin and the physics tutors were fantastic, connected with my son really well and helped him go from 'failing' grade to 'honors'! I will for sure continue using (and recommending!) Themba Tutors. Thank you, C, K, and W!
-
Brian is a fantastic executive functioning coach. Super helpful, flexible with hours, and tailored the experience to our needs.
-
Giulia Mercuri is a great Italian tutor! She was very responsive and accessible. Giulia put a ton of effort into preparing for each session and really helped our son with test preparation and projects. We are grateful that she was able … More to help, especially since our son did not receive any live teaching during COVID. We are happy that she was referred to us!
-
As an adult student diagnosed with a learning disability during grad school, I knew I needed help dealing with my Master's program's demanding workload. I was seriously considering dropping out when I was referred to Themba Tutors. … More I was paired up with a wonderful tutor, Julie, who was a total lifesaver. I learned many techniques that I can utilize in the future as I embark on the next phase of my career.
I can wholeheartedly say after working with Themba for two years that I would not have finished my program without this organization. And I am so thankful I selected them. -
We were introduced to a wonderful tutor: Mcedwyn. He and our son, a freshman in college, worked well together. As a result, our son’s grades significantly improved. The tutor taught our son subject content and various methods to effectively … More study for quizzes and exams. Our son was also taught time management and organization. My son’s experience with the tutor made the first year of college a less intimidating experience.
-
We have been with our tutor, Cailin Schiller, for two years, from 5th - 7th grade. She started as an executive functioning tutor with my daughter. From the start, she demonstrated a depth of expertise and a selective use of techniques skillfully … More adapted to my daughter’s ADHD and Math disability. Cailin made Math accessible and understandable to her in a way that even her teachers had not been able to do. She differentiated reading, writing and math tasks and assignments to tailor them to my daughter’s unique learning differences. Not only did it have an effect on her grades and her work efficiency, but she finally could do her work with less anxiety. Even my daughter’s teachers used Cailin’s guidance to modify their work with her. But most importantly, she became my daughter’s favorite resource. I can’t say how invaluable Cailin has been to my daughter’s progress and well-being. I’d recommend her a million times over. She is a gem.
-
Victoria is a superb tutor. She helped my high school age daughter with her writing. Victoria's skills as a tutor, as well as her sense of humor and her engaging personality went a long way with my daughter.
-
Themba Tutors provided a leaning specialist that was a perfect fit for my daughter. I told them what we were looking for and they delivered. Our tutor is responsive and flexible and makes it easy for my daughter to reach out to her own … More her own, which gives her an added sense of responsibility over her learning. As a therapist myself, I now regularly recommend Themba to my patients. A much needed and well provided service to the community!!
-
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
-
I'm so glad we were referred to Themba Tutors. After a great initial conversation to learn our needs, we were connected with an excellent tutor, Felicia, who is helping our high school daughter learn better organizational and executive … More skills. Highly recommended.
-
We had a wonderful experience with our tutor Micaela. She helped our son not only academically but at every level. We will be forever grateful to have her in our lives.
-
The tutors at Themba are fantastic! Caitlyn McNeill helped our son academically, but also with getting organized in every subject, which he so desperately needed. She offered great advice and useful strategies that helped our son become … More a more successful student. We are using Themba tutors again this year for our daughter. We're so happy to have been referred to them!
-
Paul Smith at Themba has been an exceptional tutor for my son, both in terms of teaching the subject matter and teaching how best to approach the process of learning math and executing assignments. We feel very fortunate to be working with … More Paul.
-
We were very lucky to have found Edwouine Swift, my son's therapist through Themba Tutors. Thomas is 12 years old, and it is extremely difficult to get him to write. Edwouine just works her magic with him, he adores her and is so … More eager to follow her guidance. I have no doubt she will be a positive driving force in his academic future.
8 STRATEGIES TO HELP A CHILD WITH ADHD DO SCHOOLWORK
Helping a Child With ADHD Do Schoolwork?
Not many children out there love doing schoolwork. However, a child with ADHD can struggle completely differently with it. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder comes with numerous symptoms that can alter focus and increase restlessness in the child.
The neurodevelopmental condition affects many school-aged children. So, staying focused in the classroom is quite challenging as the prevalence rate is around 3% to 10%.
However, managing the symptoms with proper care and attention is possible. The key to making homework easier is to address the underlying issues related to the disorder.
According to the National Library of Medicine, children with ADHD can face many problems associated with schoolwork or homework.
8 Strategies for Supporting an ADHD Child’s Schoolwork
1. Establish open communication and empathy.
Creating a supportive environment at home can work wonders for a child with ADHD.
Listen actively to your child. Active listening goes beyond talking as it takes out the judgment from a conversation. Your child will feel understood without interruptions, inspiring them to open up about their struggles.
Acknowledge the challenges they face by showing empathy. Use your imagination to visualize and feel the pain they go through. It will help create a routine and the best relationship for you and your child.
2. Collaborate with teachers and school staff.
Staying up-to-date with your child’s progress can encourage them.
Ensure open communication with your child’s teachers and school staff. You can stay updated regarding your child’s strengths, weaknesses, and triggers through mutual collaboration.
Additionally, the teacher may also inform you about extra resources. These accommodations can make homework more manageable for your child. Setting up a consistent routine at school will allow the child to complete tasks by breaking down large assignments into smaller chunks.
3. Create a structured and organized environment.
Having school supplies and toys in one place can be a game-changer.
A child with ADHD may struggle with distraction. They may need help following tasks and actions if they are already defined. Having a daily routine can help out a lot academically and even personally.
Good examples are specific times for waking up and bedtime, having meals, and doing homework. Instead of keeping strict timelines, though, allow flexibility and extra time for each slot. It would tone down the child’s nervousness and allow frequent breaks.
Don’t forget to keep necessary school supplies in one tidy place – clutter is never a good thing!
4. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps.
Reduce the feeling of overwhelm for your child with ADHD.
Large tasks can be tiresome for a child with ADHD. They could feel the task is impossible to complete (even before they begin). The key is to break down such functions according to the child’s preference.
Remember that ADHD is different for everyone. So one child’s ability to plan, organize, and prioritize tasks may differ from another. Please keep track of the difficulty level to make it easy for your child to manage.
5. Utilize visual aids, timers, and reminders.
Use cues to help break down tasks and organize them for your child.
Visual organizers like calendars, task lists, and reminder apps can help students keep track of their schedules and assignments. The best way to break down the tasks is to create a small checklist – a handy reference for you and your child.
Also, involve your child in the process. It will help them build a sense of ownership and motivate them to complete the tasks. Please encourage them to brainstorm ideas and make diagrams or flowcharts together.
6. Add movement breaks and physical activities to your child’s schedule.
All work and no play is hardly ever good for anyone.
Adding movement breaks and physical activities to your child’s schedule can have numerous benefits. Sitting for an extended period can link to decreased attention spans and increased restlessness in children.
Firstly, incorporating physical activity into their routine can help improve their mood and energy levels. Exercise releases endorphins that can boost your child’s mood and give them the energy they need to tackle the day ahead.
Additionally, regular exercise can improve sleep quality, essential for growing children. Secondly, providing opportunities for movement breaks during the day can help improve your child’s focus and concentration.
7. Offer rewards to your child.
Extrinsic motivation can help a child with ADHD stay on track.
Rewards can encourage positive behavior in children with ADHD. They help improve your child’s focus by motivating them to complete tasks. It also helps them develop good habits generally.
Remember to choose the rewards according to your child’s interests. They should be something your child enjoys – like video games or art. Tell them what they will get if they finish the task on time, and they are more likely to enjoy the process all through the end.
8. Explore assistive technologies and accommodations.
Make use of technological advancement to boost focus!
Technological accommodations can help children with ADHD overcome major challenges. These tools enhance focus, promote organization skills, reduce distractibility, and improve productivity.
One such example is text-to-speech software. It reads digital texts out loud to students with ADHD – allowing them to feel more engaged. Another popular tool is noise-canceling headphones, which block out distracting sounds in a noisy classroom setting.
Encouraging Motivation and Building Self-Esteem
1. Focus on the child’s strengths and interests.
Parents and teachers working with kids with ADHD are often frustrated by their symptoms, including difficulty paying attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.
- Brush aside feelings of frustration
- Don’t focus on what they can’t do
- Avoid developing a perfectionist mindset
- Harness the child’s abilities and strengths to succeed in their interests
Remember that children with ADHD can have many strengths. They can be highly creative or even have an excellent sense of humor. So by highlighting the positive aspects, parents and teachers can make the child feel their best and give their best!
2. Set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories.
Realistic expectations can motivate the child and help them feel good about themselves.
Your child’s condition might make it harder for them to concentrate and stay organized, so you must approach their behavior with patience and understanding. Remember that every child with ADHD is different, so you should tailor your expectations based on their strengths and weaknesses.
- Consider breaking down a task and spreading it out over several days
- Provide rewards like breaks or snacks after finishing every job.
Boost your child’s self-esteem by practicing the above. Feeling confident is an important factor in neurodevelopmental disorders. It will also give them the boost they need to do a task independently.
3. Provide ongoing encouragement and emotional support.
Children with ADHD often face difficulties in social interactions, academic achievement, and self-esteem. Therefore, it is essential to provide them with consistent support and encouragement.
- Communicate regularly
- Create a daily check-in routine to make the child feel supported and heard
- Ask the child about their daily struggles
- Praise the child when they react positively
- Discuss negative actions (rather than calling out) to reinforce confidence
Another way to provide continued encouragement is by creating achievable goals together as a family.
4. Foster a growth mindset and resilience.
Fostering a growth mindset in a child with ADHD can look like this:
- Informing the child that ADHD doesn’t define their intelligence or potential
- Encouraging them to focus on their strengths rather than weaknesses
- Teaching them that every small step is worth celebrating
- Helping them learn coping mechanisms such as deep breathing exercises
- Provide opportunities for your child to explore various activities of interest
It also helps build resilience. The child can learn to control their emotions instead of vice versa. Teach them problem-solving skills by encouraging open communication.
5. Encourage self-advocacy skills and self-awareness.
Self-awareness is key for your child to understand their strengths and weaknesses. They can advocate for themselves better in all types of situations.
- Involve your child in their treatment plan
- Have open conversations with your child (discuss diagnosis, medication, therapy sessions, and other aspects)
- Encourage your child to ask questions
- Help your child identify potential triggers and warning signs
Make sure to respond to your child’s queries. Not only will it give them clear insights about the disorder, but it will also establish a long-lasting healthy relationship for both of you.
Seeking Professional Help and Additional Resources
When to consider seeking professional evaluation or therapy
Parents who suspect their child has ADHD may wonder when to seek professional evaluation or therapy.
- The disorder impairs the daily functioning of the child.
- The child has difficulty following instructions.
- Disorganization interrupts completing tasks at school or home.
- The child finds classroom settings disturbing.
- Emotional distress such as low self-esteem or frustration.
Persistent symptoms in any of the above may require professional therapy and evaluation.
Overview of available interventions, such as medication and therapy
ADHD can cause difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. Fortunately, there are several interventions available to help manage ADHD symptoms.
- Behavioral therapy helps focus on teaching skills such as organization and time management.
- Stimulant medications like Ritalin and Adderall can help improve focus and reduce impulsivity in children with ADHD.
- However, these medications have potential side effects and may not be effective for all children. Non-stimulant medications like Strattera may also be prescribed to treat ADHD symptoms.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help address negative thinking patterns related to ADHD.
Discover the top 6 ways to decrease impulsivity at home.
Conclusion: Helping a Child with ADHD Do Schoolwork
Addressing ADHD issues personally and professionally is key. Let your child know they are supported and cared for. Offer extensive help and engage them in splitting large tasks into smaller manageable chunks.
In addition, remember to organize their workspace. Stay up-to-date with their progress in the classroom and any accommodations they might need. Teachers and parents need to stay on the same page.
Appreciate your child’s strengths; don’t call them out for their struggles. Always be ready to seek professional help if the symptoms get difficult to manage. An educationist or therapist can help you develop the best plan for your child.
Craig Selinger
Latest posts by Craig Selinger (see all)
- Psychotherapy and Support Services at Cope With School NYC - April 12, 2024
- NYC Parents of Teens Support Group - April 8, 2024
- Here I Am, I Am Me: An Illustrated Guide to Mental Health - April 4, 2024
No Comments