Work Completion: Homework
A student who does not complete homework may...
- lack support or strategies at home
- struggle with memory
- have difficulties with executive functioning
- be distracted or lack focus
- be fatigued from the school day demands
- argue with parents
- deny or avoid the assignments
- struggle with the content
When supporting a student to complete homework, some general strategies involve
- evaluate the purpose of homework--is it a must do? Can you focus on the work completed in school?
- provide school time to complete homework (not during choice/fun times)
- start the assignment with the student before they go home
- reduce homework volume
- focus on key assignments with one task per day and build up
- check for materials and supplies
- post directions/lesson information or supporting tools for students to access
- ensure homework is a practice skill not a learning skills
Interventions may include
- eliminating homework
- change the homework task to focus on a fundamental skill you feel is vital (i.e., get a signature and return the paper)
- have a morning check-in routine to review and unpack for the day
- use a check in/check out system
- use a reward/reinforcement system for homework completion
Literature Links
Peanut Butter and Homework Sandwiches by Lisa Broadie Cook
Homework Hassle by Jan and Stan Bernstein
Please Help Me With My Homework by Susan Fitzell (great for parents too)
Teacher Reading