Answers For Dyslexia And Homework Help
Getting answers for dyslexia and homework help can be a daunting task. Reading, writing, and processing information usually take longer for kids with dyslexia.
In addition, doing homework usually feels more overwhelming to a child who struggles with dyslexia, especially when compared to peers. Because of this, homework often drags on for hours if a child has dyslexia.
This is not ideal – for parents or children!
Kids with dyslexia – and all children – have already been sitting most of the day and need to be lost in creative activities, movement, and free time. Furthermore, kids with dyslexia have special needs and homework help needs to address this!
One of the first things that needs addressed is movement. Most kids with dyslexia are tactile or hands-on learners. This simply means they need to move to learn.
Literally!
That’s why dyslexia and homework help needs should be addressed differently than those of peers. Forcing these kids to sit down for hours on end isn’t only cruel, it’s counterproductive.
Coping Mechanisms And Homework Help Clash!
As a means of survival, kids with dyslexia are masters at wriggling out of homework. They might need to get a drink of water, use the restroom, or develop a stomach ache when it’s time to sit down at the kitchen table.
These are simply coping mechanisms but they can be aggravating! From there, it’s all too easy to hop on a negative roller coaster ride with your child. After all, dyslexia and homework help is important business has to be done.
If you have a child with dyslexia, you’ve probably already figured out that typical homework rules won’t work. This is because kids with dyslexia learn differently than other children. This isn’t a death sentence, though, even though it might feel like one when you’re in the middle of it.
However, with the right strategies, tools, and support, homework can become more manageable and even enjoyable. Here’s how parents and educators can assist kids with dyslexia in conquering their homework challenges. Following are some tips to help you foster a more positive homework environment for your child.
1. Create a Structured Homework Routine
Children with dyslexia thrive on consistency. It helps them if you establish a set time and quiet workspace for homework, free of distractions.
If you break tasks into smaller, manageable chunks it can prevent fatigue. For instance, if your child has three assignments, work on one, take a short break, and then proceed to the next.
2. Talk To Your Child’s Teacher To Work Out A Game Plan
Talk to the teacher first and see if the homework amount can be adjusted. Many times, teachers will work with you and truly care about your child’s learning success.
Stay in close contact with your child’s teachers to understand expectations and share concerns. Teachers may provide accommodations, such as extended deadlines or simplified assignments, that align with your child’s needs. A collaborative approach ensures your child gets the support they need both at home and in school.
By creating a supportive environment, leveraging tools and strategies, and fostering independence, you can empower kids with dyslexia to approach homework with confidence and success.
3. Check For District Homework Time Limits
Check with the school district for time limits. Most school districts have time limits on homework for each grade level.
For instance, first grade time limits might be thirty minutes. If your child has spent thirty minutes of actual time working on an assignment, then it’s time to stop.
You can work something out with the teacher or principal where you can sign off for the amount of time spent on the assignment to prove that your child wasn’t dawdling or watching television.
4. Switch To A School That’s Homework Friendly!
Switch schools if your school or district won’t work with you. Parents often say they don’t want to disturb their child’s social skills progress, but kids adjust better to a new school environment than they do endless homework battles where self-esteem is whittled away and attitudes toward school and learning are devalued.
Many schools offer limited homework options or even no homework at all! Charter schools and private schools often have
5. Be Sure Your Child’s Homework Is An Extension Of What’s Already Been Taught
Make sure your child’s homework is an extension of what was taught at school. For instance, if your child learned long division that week, then homework should be about long division, not double digit multiplication.
6. Use A Visual Timer For Best Results
Set a timer for your school district’s time limit and let your child be a child! Using a visual timer (like the one above) can help them understand how long they will work before a break. You can download a free version of a visual timer, which shows your child a picture of time passing. Many also have a noise to help your child
7. Incorporate Multisensory Learning
Kids with dyslexia often benefit from engaging multiple senses in their learning. For spelling practice, try writing words in sand, shaving cream, or on a textured surface. When working on reading comprehension, encourage them to listen to an audiobook while following along with the text. For math, use manipulatives like blocks or visual aids to explain concepts.
8. Praise Effort, Not Perfection
Kids with dyslexia may take longer to complete homework or may make mistakes. Celebrate their effort and progress rather than focusing solely on accuracy. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and motivates them to keep trying, even when tasks feel difficult.