ADHD Homework Support Reading Guide

Welcome to your quick-reference guide on helping your child with ADHD succeed in completing homework at home. This guide covers common homework challenges, practical strategies, and resources you can use right away. Pair this reading with the Focus at Home Session Script and slides in the Focus at Home Slide Deck.

Understanding Homework Challenges with ADHD

Children with ADHD often struggle with:

• Sustaining attention. Their focus can wander mid-task, leading to incomplete work.
• Starting tasks. Initiating homework can feel overwhelming without clear steps.
• Organization & planning. Keeping track of assignments, supplies, and deadlines can be difficult.
• Time management. Judging how long a task will take or moving between tasks can be challenging.
• Emotional regulation. Frustration or anxiety can build quickly when tasks feel hard.

Recognizing which of these challenges affects your child most will help you choose the right strategies.

Strategy Set 1: Creating the Right Environment

1. Designate a consistent workspace:
   • Quiet area free from screens, clutter, and high-traffic paths.
   • Keep only necessary tools (pencils, paper, timer) within reach.
2. Use visual cues:
   • Whiteboard or calendar for upcoming assignments.
   • Color-coded folders or bins for each subject.
3. Manage sensory needs:
   • Offer noise-cancelling headphones or soft background music.
   • Provide fidget tools (stress ball, putty) to help channel excess energy.

Strategy Set 2: Structuring Tasks

1. Break homework into 5–10 minute chunks:
   • Write each mini-task on a sticky note or checklist.
   • Cross off tasks as they’re completed to build a sense of progress.
2. Set clear, measurable goals:
   • Instead of “Do math,” say “Complete five multiplication problems.”
3. Use a timer or app:
   • Try a 10-minute work interval followed by a 2–3 minute break.
   • Visual timers (sand timers or phone apps) make time more concrete.

Strategy Set 3: Boosting Motivation & Rewards

1. Offer positive reinforcement:
   • Praise effort and focus (“I noticed how hard you worked on spelling.”).
   • Use a sticker chart or token system to track successes.
2. Incorporate choice:
   • Let your child pick which subject to start with or select a break activity.
3. Build in fun elements:
   • Turn flashcards into a quick game.
   • Allow a short movement break (jumping jacks, stretch) after each chunk.

Helpful Resources

• CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): https://chadd.org/
• Understood.org – Strategies for ADHD and learning challenges: https://www.understood.org/
• ADDitude Magazine: https://www.additudemag.com/
• Free printable homework planners and checklists: https://additudemag.com/downloadable-adhd-planners/

For session flow and talking points, use:

• Focus at Home Lesson Plan
• Focus at Home Slide Deck
• Focus at Home Session Script

Next Steps & Reflection

1. Which of the challenges listed above resonates most with your child?

1. Which 1–2 strategies will you try together this week?

1. How will you measure or celebrate your child’s progress?

Keep this guide handy and revisit it whenever you need a quick reminder of practical tips. Good luck, and remember that small, consistent steps lead to big improvements!

Focus at Home: Your Self-Guided 15-Minute Session

Welcome! In the next 15 minutes, you’ll work through a simple set of activities to understand your child’s homework challenges, learn three practical strategies, and make a plan you can use tonight.

1. Welcome & Overview (2 minutes)

Today’s goals:

1. Identify common homework hurdles for kids with ADHD.
2. Learn simple ways to support focus, organization, and motivation at home.
3. Choose 2–3 actions to try this week.

Reflect for a moment on your child’s current homework routine:

2. ADHD & Homework Challenges (4 minutes)

Read each of the challenges below and think about which one fits your child best:

• Sustaining attention: Hangs in the middle of a task or jumps around.
• Starting tasks: Feels overwhelmed and avoids getting going.
• Organization & planning: Misplaces supplies, deadlines, or assignments.
• Time management: Struggles to judge how long tasks will take or move between them.
• Emotional regulation: Becomes frustrated or anxious when work feels hard.

Which challenge resonates most with your child? Describe below:

3. Practical Strategies (5 minutes)

Strategy 1: Create a Focused Workspace

• Choose a quiet, consistent spot with minimal distractions.
• Keep only necessary tools (pencils, paper, timer) within reach.
• Add visual cues: a small whiteboard, calendar, or color-coded folders.
• If helpful, offer noise-cancelling headphones or a fidget tool.

What can you adjust in their workspace today?

Strategy 2: Chunk & Track Tasks

• Break homework into 5–10 minute steps, each written on sticky notes or a checklist.
• Use a visual timer or app: work intervals (10 minutes), then a short break (2–3 minutes).
• Check tasks off to build momentum.

Pick one subject. List two mini-tasks to start with:

Strategy 3: Boost Motivation & Rewards

• Give specific praise: “I noticed how hard you concentrated on that problem.”
• Use a sticker chart, token jar, or brief movement break as a reward.
• Let your child choose which subject to start or which fun activity to do during breaks.

Which reward or choice would excite your child right now?

4. Reflect & Plan Next Steps (4 minutes)

1. Write down 2–3 actions you will try this week (be specific):

1. Decide on a daily 5-minute check-in time to review progress (e.g., after school snack at 4 PM):

You’re all set! Keep the ADHD Homework Support Reading Guide nearby for extra tips. Small, consistent steps lead to big improvements. Good luck!