Oswalt, Bob (Counselor)

Homework:

Executive Skills Needed: 1. Task Initiation, 2. Sustained attention, 3. Planning, 4. Time management, 5. Metacognition.

Steps to take:

1. Explain to your child that making a plan for homework is a good way to learn how to make plans and schedules. Explain that because of the virus and the shift to schooling mostly at home, doing homework is even more important. Consequently, having a plan will make it easier and more accomplishable.
2. Setup the following steps: (using the attached form)
   1. Write down all assignments received form his/her teachers through Google Classroom.
   2. Make sure he/she has all the materials needed for each assignment.
   3. Determine whether he/she will need any help to complete the assignment and who will provide the help.
   4. Estimate how long each assignment will take.
   5. Write down when he/she will start each assignment.
   6. Show the plan to you/guardian so you can help make adjustments if needed.
3. Tell your child to start homework at the time listed in the plan.
4. Monitor your child’s performance throughout.

Fading Supervision:

1. Cue your child to make the plan and to begin the routine, providing frequent praise and encouragement as well as constructive feedback. If necessary, sit with your child as he/she does the work.
2. Check in with your child periodically.
3. Once the child is able to make and start the plan on their own, ask him/her to check in with you when the homework is done.

Modifications/Adjustments:

1. If your child resists writing the plan, you do the writing, but have your child tell you what to write.
2. If your child tends to forget assignments that may not be written down, list every possible subject and talk about each subject with your child to jog his/her memory about assignments.
3. Create a separate calendar for long-term projects so that your child can keep track of the work that needs to be done on them.
4. Build in rewards for starting/ending homework on time or for remembering to do it without reminders.

Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2009). Smart but Scattered. New York: The Guilford  Press. P. 150-151.

DAILY HOMEWORK PLANNER

Name:                                                                                                                                                   Date:

From Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson and Richard Guare.  Copyright 2009 by The Guilford Press. P. 152

Notes / Comments: