Homework "Trauma"
"I had to compromise and create a balance between school expectations
and our sanity as a family."
One thing I have learnt is that we are not alone in the daily homework battle. The tears and tantrums that leave us feeling battered and bruised are apparently very common with Dyslexic kids.
There is research out there that says homework is not beneficial. You can google it yourselves and make your own decisions.
I have tried many ideas and strategies some of which have even helped to lessen the stress of the situation.
Here are a few.
There is research out there that says homework is not beneficial. You can google it yourselves and make your own decisions.
I have tried many ideas and strategies some of which have even helped to lessen the stress of the situation.
Here are a few.
- We do homework in the morning as my daughter is so mentally fatigued in the afternoon that she can hardly think straight.
- I always negotiate the homework with the teacher at the beginning of every term. I modify it reducing the amount or lowering the level. I even create our own spelling lists to ones that are more achievable. At times I have swapped the homework for more appropriate work such as using SoundWaves which I purchased online.
- I always ensure that the home readers are decodable readers and that are going to leave her feeling successful.
- I try to have minimum distractions - not always easy.
- I will rule the page up and date it as these aspects can take too long and prevent the actual homework getting done. (Year 2 level)
- I am always nearby to help. If I leave her to do it alone the frustration kicks in and the whole thing goes pear shaped.
- Most importantly - I make judgment calls about how much she will do or even if she does it at all depending on her mood, tiredness and alertness. I don't make homework into battles anymore. And she is a happier kid for it.