Kids with sensory processing issues can sometimes have trouble concentrating on their homework. Certain sounds, smells, textures, and other sensations can get in the way of getting their after school work done. We have gathered a couple of tips and tricks to make that homework battle a little less painful!
- Avoid doing homework right away when they get home. After a long day, the last thing a child (or anyone) wants to do is more school work.
- Try sensory movement activities before homework time. 20 to 30 minutes of a sensory stimulating game can go a long way! A couple of jumping jacks, animal crawls, or if the weather permits it, some time outside in the yard can suffice.
- Set a schedule and incorporate a break. Having homework time be at the same time every day will make it a little easier as time goes on. It is a good idea to have a small break (5-15 minutes) if the assignment of the day is a little harder than usual!
- Use sensory stimulating furniture for your homework space. This can be in the form of a ball chair, a wobble chair, desk foot fidgets, or chair bands.
- Experiment with different homework mediums. Having hard time getting stuff done on their laptop? Try printing out the assignment and doing it on paper, or vice versa. Tablets offer a nice mix of both, provided you have a keyboard attachment and a stylus-type pen!
- Offer a reward after homework time. We all do better with rewards, and your kiddo is no different! This can vary depending on what your child likes.
