6 Ideas to Help Make Homework go Easier
13 September 2010
Now that school is back in session, it's time to get back into the routine of .....homework. Yikes! Particularly for children (and their parents) who have visual deficits, homework can be synonymous with torture. To put this in context, remember that the school day can be very fatiguing to a child. All that thinking, listening, focusing, refocusing and having to sit still takes it's toll. Homework is that last thing that a child wants to do after school. So, here are some ideas to try to make it easier:
- Use structure to your advantage. Carve out a particular time to do homework and stick to it. Some children do best with a break after school and then homework later, maybe after dinner. Other children want to get it done first thing when they get home from school. Either is fine, but finding the most productive time is the key.
- Be sensitive to your child. Pay attention to the signs that occur before homework becomes counterproductive. Short circuit that counter-productivity by taking a break.
- Using a slantboard to read and write is a huge help to your child's visual system. It makes it easier for the eyes to sustain focus. It also creates a better sense of where the page is in space and that ultimately leads to greater visual efficiency.
- Be organized. Some teachers give their students assignments for the week. If that's the case, plan things out. It's less stressful for everyone.
- Less is more. Break the homework down into smaller bits. Do a little then take a small break. Do a little more and take another break.
- Observe the 10x10 rule. Every ten minutes of close work, take a break by looking far away for 10 seconds. This helps to relax the focusing system and reduces the stress of looking up close for long periods of time.