This article has long been requested by many parents. Dyslexia and homework time is a topic that bring tears, tension, and stress! Many parents find doing homework with their children who have learning difficulties quite daunting and challenging. Indeed, it would be! Very often, both parents and students are left frustrated, and soon both parties dread homework time. The goal of homework is to offer mastery of skills and comprehension of concepts. There are many reasons why homework time is ineffective. When you add a learning difficulty, such as dyslexia, to homework time, this becomes more of a challenge.
Sometimes, the lack of a proper routine is the biggest problem. Other times, the amount of homework assigned is unreasonable, especially for a learner with dyslexia or other learning difficulties. Other times, it may well be that both parents and children are just not in the mood or feeling tired. Whatever the reasons are, I offer some healthy strategies to overcome these challenges and hopefully change both your mindset and the children’s attitude with regards to homework.
Key features include:
Creating a consistent and distraction-free workspace is crucial. This means having a designated area for homework that’s quiet and organized. Example: Encourage your teen to set up a homework nook in their room or a quiet corner of the house. Make sure it’s stocked with all the supplies they need—like notebooks, pens, and a computer—so they can focus without having to hunt for things.
There are tons of tools out there that can make homework easier and more accessible for learners with dyslexia.
Example: Text-to-speech software can be a game-changer. Programs like NaturalReader or apps like Speech Central can read textbooks or articles aloud, helping your teen absorb the material without getting bogged down by reading difficulties.
Homework can feel overwhelming, especially if it’s a big project or a lot of assignments. Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks can help reduce anxiety. Example: If your teen has a research paper due, help them break it down into steps: choosing a topic, gathering sources, creating an outline, writing a draft, and then editing. Celebrate each completed step to keep motivation high!
Incorporating different senses can make learning more engaging and effective. This approach can help reinforce concepts and improve retention. Example: When studying vocabulary, encourage your teen to use flashcards with pictures, write the words in sand or on a whiteboard, or even act them out. This makes learning feel more dynamic and less like a chore. Use imagination to create mental images that can help with recall. Link words to real life situations or past experiences to facilitate recall. Incorporate new words into daily conversations.
Encourage your teen to communicate openly about their challenges and needs. This includes talking to teachers about accommodations, like extended time on tests or alternative assignments. Support this by having a robust cognitive based assessment done. This will support your child’s case especially when approaching teachers and the school. Example: Help your teen draft a friendly email to their teacher explaining their dyslexia and asking for specific support, like more time for a reading assignment. You can also include how dyslexia and homework time is a challenge and seek any additional assistance from the teacher. This not only builds advocacy skills but also fosters a supportive relationship with educators.
Managing dyslexia during homework time doesn’t have to be stressful! By creating a supportive environment, using technology, breaking tasks down, incorporating multisensory learning, and encouraging open communication, you can help your teen thrive. Remember, it’s all about finding what works best for them and celebrating their progress along the way. You’ve got this!
For more details, I have put out a video explaining how to address homework time from a parent’s perspective. These tips and strategies are meant to make your life easier and homework time more manageable and positive.
Check out the video HERE
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