Does Your Child with ADHD Need Help with Homework?
Are you looking for ways to help your child or teen handle the daily struggle with homework? The struggle (theirs and yours) is real. It may look like a lack of motivation, or defiance, forgetfulness or even a learning disability but in reality, it is probably their Executive Function skills.
The Homework Help for ADHD covers seven Executive Function skills that have the biggest impact on homework and includes information on what to look for and plenty of strategies to help compensate.
Just enter your name and email to receive the free report!
Quick quiz time! Answer the following questions with either a yes or no.
1.I know how many credit cards are in my wallet right now.
2.If one was missing I would notice instantly.
3. I have the names and numbers of each credit card company I would need to call in case of theft.
4. I know the bank account numbers my debit card is linked to.
If you answered no to any of the above questions, it may be time to create a master financial list. Identity theft is increasing and becoming less and less obvious. Thieves may be photocopying your card or writing down your numbers (including the security code on the back) while your bill is being printed. It doesn’t take long.
Having a master financial list could be very helpful in the event of theft, fire or sudden illness.A list with the telephone numbers of your credit card companies would make calling and reporting missing cards quick and easy. The same applies to knowing your bank account numbers, social security numbers and insurance policy numbers.
First step is to empty your wallet and write down all the important numbers. Now locate the toll free numbers of each card that you would need to call. Do the same for your debit cards, ATM cards and checking account. Or put all the cards on your printer and copy both sides of them. Other important numbers are insurance policies, license numbers, savings bond numbers and retirement plan information. Any number that you think you would need if suddenly it was gone.
Once you have completed the list, make three copies. Store one in a fireproof strong box (with originals), one in a safety deposit box or other place off site and the third with all your important papers. (I would not recommend storing a copy of this information on your computer). Now, hopefully you will never need this information, but if you do, you’re ready.
Next week begins the second quarter of the year. Watch for my strategic plan update, it’s how I deal with New Year’s Resolutions.
Happy Anniversary to me! I have now officially been in business for five years. Although that puts me in the elite Golden Circle membership of the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO) it means so much more. As a person and a business owner I have had to stretch further than I thought was possible. Yet, here I am 5 years later much more confident, capable and compassionate.
To my all my clients I want to say thank you. I am grateful that you allowed me into your homes and into your lives. I have learned from you as I hope you have learned from me. Once you decided to get organized, I watched you dig deep to make tough decisions always keeping in mind the bigger picture. You have challenged and pushed me to find answers to your questions and solutions to your challenges. For that I am extremely grateful.
Thank you also to the students I have taught both in the Learning Logistics classes and in individual coaching sessions. The skills you have learned and the new habits you have developed will continue to serve you well. I applaud your determination and your stamina and I thank you for allowing me to share in your successes.
Looking forward I am continuing my education in the Coach program, expanding the Learning Logistics classes to other towns and teaching more workshops. I continue to be passionate about helping students and their families deal with life’s responsibilities in an organized way that works for them. Together we can make a difference!
Dedicated to Biff, Jason and Marc who stuck with me from the beginning (28 years ago today, when I changed my/our disorganized lives). I love you!
The Learning Logistics class teaches 5th -8th graders the skills they need to succeed in school. Skills such as time management, project planning, organization and homework strategies are taught in this 4 week class at the HinghamCommunity Center. Next class begins March 8th, call to register (781) 749-9789.
Sometimes when you least expect it, someone says something that really resonates with you and your life changes. I recently had this experience and it has made such a difference in my life that I wanted to share it with you.
I am in a coach training program and as part of our training, we practice coaching and being coached. Each week we need to present an issue that is affecting us. My coaching issue was the fact that I just can’t seem to get on the treadmill regularly. Sounds simple doesn’t it? You might think blocking out a specific time each day or rewarding myself when I do it would be helpful, but no. These were all suggestions I came up with and then dismissed because I had tried them before and failed.
Then my coach asked me how I felt about each part (beginning, middle and end) of exercising. I realized I don’t mind the treadmill, once I am on it. The part I do not like is getting ready. It seems I always forget something (heart monitor, water, sneakers, mp3 player, etc) and that means another trip downstairs. Sometimes I could be up and down the stairs three or four times.
That’s when my coach asked me how much time it takes to get ready. My answer was 3-5 minutes. Here’s the revelation. Three to five minutes (of disorganization) was stopping me from working out regularly! Three minutes of aggravation stopped 45 minutes of fitness. I was stunned!
A quick analysis of the disorganization showed a number of ways I could make that 3 minutes easier on myself. I now have everything except my water upstairs. I bring the water upstairs with me after breakfast. Now I don’t need to go downstairs for anything and getting on the treadmill is almost enjoyable! It is certainly easier and less painful. What part of the whole exercise routine is preventing you from getting fit? Let me know what changes you make so that 2010 is the year you get and stay fit by using the comment box below.
Yes, I know that January is just about over and that any resolution you may have set for yourself is probably long forgotten. In fact, according to research by the Franklin Covey Company, 33% of people will give up on their resolutions by this time. By the end of March, 75% will have given up. They must know me!
This year though, being the start of a new decade (and me loving numbers like I do) I decided to do something different. Hubby and I set off for a few days to have some fun and do some “serious” planning for this year. We talked about the good, the bad and the ugly of 2009 and our hopes and dreams for 2010. We used Jack Canfield’s Success Principles book as a guide and used his seven categories to define the areas of our lives. They are: work/career, finances, recreation/free time, health and fitness, relationships, personal goals and contribution to society. We then came up with a (S.M.A.R.T.) goal for each and then listed some “to do’s” under each. When projects like redo the dining room and clean out the basement started showing up on the personal list we decided to add an eighth category called physical environment. That took my “organizing projects” and hubby’s fix it projects off the personal list and into its own category (whew!).
The whole thing was a bit overwhelming so we decided we would think ahead only one quarter – just January, February and March. We took a yearlong calendar and added in the Big Rocks (commitments, vacation, holidays, etc.) first so we could see what time was actually left. (Don’t tell anyone but I have a SLIGHT tendency to overbook myself J.) Then we went month by month for the first three even getting down to the nitty gritty tasks we want to do and making sure they were balanced with non “work” type activities.
This was such a learning experience for us and we are already moving ahead because we are both on the same page. I’ll be sharing more in future blogs. Stay tuned by using the RSS feed button on the right sidebar and be automatically notified of new blog posts.
We all think, take in and remember information differently based on our preferred learning style. Your learning style is the unique way you use your senses to learn. When you understand how you learn, you can make learning easier. The most common learning styles are visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
If you find charts and pictures help you learn you may be a visual learner. If you would rather sit and listen to a lecture – you may be an auditory learner. To find out about your preferences you can google™ “learning style inventory” or click on one of the links below.
Once you have identified your learning style you may want to think about what learning style your teachers are teaching to. When a teacher’s style and a student’s style differ it can be harder for the student to succeed. Teachers tend to give study tips or require projects to be completed a certain way and it is often based on their own preferences. If a student’s preferences differ then it is more of a challenge for that student to do well. For example learning a new concept strictly through a lecture without any visual support would be very challenging for a visual learner like me. Pictures and visuals help me take in new information and I find I am able to remember those pictures easier than remembering words that were spoken.
How does this help with homework and studying for tests? Use your strength to help yourself study. You can create study aids in your learning style and use them to study from. Here are some examples:
Visual: Use color whenever possible
Mind maps
Flash cards
Color stickies
Use photos or draw diagrams
Auditory: Use a recorder
Read out loud
Use mnemonics
Talk it through
Use poems, mnemonics, acronyms, etc.
Kinesthetic: Act it out
Work standing up
Move around while learning
Make lists
Use desk toys to keep your hands busy
These are just a few ideas to get you thinking. First step, take an inventory and find out how you think and learn best. Good luck.
Is your child spending hours doing homework and then struggling to get up the next morning? With the first quarter coming to an end you will be able to see what grades all that studying has produced. Is the time spent reflected in the grades? If not, here are ten tips to help
1. Have your student start their homework within 30 minutes of arriving home from school. Waiting until after dinner only makes the brain work harder since the body is working to digest dinner.
2. Have them take time to have a snack of protein and complex carbohydrates (the brain needs energy too) before getting started or to nibble on while they work.
3. Doing something active for about 15 minutes even if it is just walking around the neighborhood or shooting a few hoops will help send blood and oxygen to the brain.
4. Set a timer for 45 minutes and have them get to work on the toughest subject first. If you feel your child does not have an accurate sense of time you might want to use a kitchen timer or time timer that shows the passage of time.
5. Make sure all the supplies they need are within arm’s reach of their study space.
6. Limit the distractions. Keep the TV off and the noise level low so that they will not be distracted by what others are doing. If your child is an auditory learner, having music playing in the background can be helpful. There are classical compilations designed to enhance concentration.
7. Help your child estimate how much time they think it will take to complete all homework accurately and completely and then add 30 minutes. The general rule is 10 minutes for each grade level. For example, a sixth grader should have about an hour of homework. Suggest they plan what they will do for fun or relaxation when their homework is done.
8. After working for 45 minutes or so, students should take a 10-15 minute break. It should be long enough for them to get recharged but not long enough for them to start something else.
9. Don’t over book your child! Kids need “downtime” too. Take a look at their schedule and make sure they have time for homework, friends and family.
10. Use a central calendar that is updated each weekend for the upcoming week and have students write down their commitments in their agenda books. Family meetings help insure that everyone knows what is coming up for the week.
Next: Learning styles and how they can help save time.
Did you catch me on Channel 7 (whdh.com) on Friday, the 11th? Here’s what they didn’t tell you about organizing the backpack.
Children need a backpack, supplies and a study area that are organized to keep them on track with their school work. The backpack is often seen as a big black hole where things seem to disappear. Help your child organize it by naming each pocket and deciding what belongs there. Create a little “map” of what the inside looks like and use it to see where things belong until it becomes a habit or label each pocket. Check to make sure the backpack opens wide and that the zipper moves smoothly.
Using clear poly folders with bright colored end tabs makes it easy to find homework papers. Teach your child to put books and notebooks in according to size. It is very easy for a small book to get lost between two big notebooks. Color code subjects so that notebooks and textbooks are easy to locate. Use zippered pockets in bright colors to keep little things from getting lost at the bottom of the bag and clip it to the key ring.
Check the fit of the backpack and the weight when packed. It should not hang more than four inches below the waistline when both padded straps are used. The weight of the backpack fully packed for homework (which does not mean everything in the locker) should not exceed 10% of the child’s weight.
Each week sit with your child while they clean out and “reorganize” the backpack. Sundays are a great day for doing this as you prepare for the “organized” week ahead.
New! Learning Logistics class is starting October 19th at the Hingham Community Center. This four week class teaches your child the homework and study skills, time management and organization skills he/she needs to succeed.
“Connecting a child and a book is like dropping a pebble into the water. You never know where the ripples will end up.” Ronald Jobe
Summer’s ½ over! That means along with camp, sports practice and summer fun, children and teens also need to find time for reading. Many schools provide a summer reading list beginning in the fourth or fifth grades requesting that students read two or more books from a selection. Requirements vary from one to five books and students may be asked to either write something about each book or take a “test” on them once they are back at school.
If your child has a list and has not started it here is a way to create a plan and avoid the last minute rush. First figure out how many books are required and either borrow them from the library or buy them. Look at the calendar and divide the number of weeks left by the number of pages in the book. For example, if you have two books to read and each is 200 pages then your child would need to read 400/4=100 pages a week (based on 4 weeks left of summer) to finish both books. That would mean reading about 20 pages a day five days a week. A reality check with a calendar and the books required will help your child develop a better sense of time management. Or you can divide the book by its chapters and figure out how long it would take to finish if your child read a chapter a day.
To encourage children to read, there is no better way than to model it yourself. Set aside 20-30 minutes of reading time for the whole family each day. Find a time that works for your family such as, after a meal, late afternoon, or before bedtime. Summer is a great time for you to get some reading in too. Nothing beats reading a good book in the shade while sipping an iced tea. Sharing and discussing books is a great way to keep those communication lines open. What are you reading?
Want to end the homework hassle? Our Learning Logistics class, is a four week class that teaches students study skills, time management and organization skills. For more information go to: http://www.laineslogic.com/. Next class starts October 19th at the Hingham Community Center.
Summer is the time when one sheds one’s tensions with one’s clothes, and the right kind of day is jeweled balm for the battered spirit. A few of those days and you can become drunk with the belief that all’s right with the world. ~Ada Louise Huxtable
The sun’s out!! Are you headed to the beach? Here are some tips to keep you organized so that a day at the beach is as relaxing as…well, a day at the beach.
Start with a large beach bag preferably one with a few smaller pockets inside. The kids (depending on their ages) can and should have their own bags. That way each person can be responsible for their own belongings.
First thing in the bag should be sunscreen to protect you from getting a sunburn. A sunburn is an actual burn from the ultraviolet rays of the sun. Depending on the amount of exposure the skin can become light pink, or in more serious situations, become dark pink with blisters. As the skin tans due to the pigment in the skin called melanin, it blocks some of the UV rays. Thus the darker the natural pigment of the skin the more UV protection is provided. So those that are fair skinned, young children and seniors are more susceptible to sunburn.
How do you protect yourself? Use a sunscreen product that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. The higher the rating the more you are protected. It should be applied 30 minutes before you go outside to give it a chance to “sink in” and protect the skin. It should be reapplied every two to four hours especially if you are in the water. Also long sleeves, wide brimmed hats and sunglasses are recommended.
Having two bottles of sunscreen makes it easy to leave one in the beach bag and the other to use at home before you go. You can keep it in a zippered pouch that can attach to the inside of the bag. With the sunscreen you can add bug spray, waterless soap or wet ones™ and a few band aids with some antiseptic cream to the pouch or put in separate pockets inside the bag.
Next throw in a sun cover-up, hat, and something for your feet. If you have young children don’t forget to add some toys to the bag too and probably a change of clothes. Add the towels, a blanket to sit on and you have all the necessities you need. Leave the bag totally packed in an easily accessible place. If you prefer to bring chairs and/or an umbrella or sun shelter then keep them together also. Then when the urge to go to the beach hits you are ready go. Just add some food and plenty of water, a good book and/or the kids and you can be out of the house in no time!
When you get back from the beach empty the bag, dump the sand out and put back all the little necessities mentioned above, refilling if necessary. Throw the towels into the wash and when they are done, pop them back into each bag. Keeping the things you need for the beach or any other activity you do often, in one place saves time and energy. Enjoy!
Is the warm weather on its way? Maybe if we all put away our winter clothes and pull out the Summer stuff it will force the weather to cooperate. What do you say, are you ready to make the wardrobe changeover?
Organizing the closet is one of the best ways to add time to your day and reduce the stress of the morning rush. Depending on the size of your closet and whether or not you share the space with someone else, the following five steps could take anywhere from one hour to four or more hours. If you would like to be able to easily find what you want to wear (and have it fit) then set a date to organize your closet right now. Once you have picked a time slot read below so you will have everything you need to complete the job.
First step is to get ready. That means turning off the phone so you won’t be distracted and led off task. Grab a snack and a beverage to take with you along with a box of trash bags, a sharpie, three boxes (labeled undecided, needs fixing/cleaning, and belongs elsewhere), a label maker or index cards and tape, a hanging rack if you have one, a full length mirror and the vacuum.
Now you’re ready to begin:
1. Sort is always the first step in any organizing project. Use the three boxes to sort for things that belong elsewhere, things that need to be altered or cleaned and the undecided. Beginning on the left hand side of the closet and moving clockwise start with things that are hanging up and pull them out and either place on the hanging rack or on the bed. If you are using the bed, only take about ¼ of the closet out at a time. Now sort that pile into the “love it and it fits” pile, the “never felt or looked good” pile (which will be the give away) and the “not sure it fits pile.” Move the “love it pile” to its own spot on the bed or the rack and then try on the “not sure it fits” pile. I know it seems like it will slow down the process but if you never liked it or liked it but it never fit then either give it away or put it in the undecided box. Continue around the closet through all the hanging clothes. When you get a pile to give away put it in a trash bag and label it. When the bag is full move it outside the room you are in and continue with the next bag. Next step is the shoes, followed by the rest of the stuff. Each time you need to consider do I love it, hate it or does it fit? If you find anything that belongs elsewhere put it in that box, do not just “take a minute” to move it to where it does belong. Put the trash in a labeled trash bag.
2. Once everything is out of the closet, dust and vacuum it well. Take a break and have your snack. You have just finished the absolute hardest part of this whole process.
3. Next we will need to decide where things will “live.” You want to keep like things together, for instance all pants together, all tops together etc. First though check to see that your closet is optimized for the most storage space. Do you have a second rack hanging below the first one? Is there available space above the first shelf to put another shelf so you can utilize the whole space? If not, you may want to consider adding a rack or shelf at a later time. Now is NOT the time to go to Home Depot. Write it down instead. Stay with me….you’re almost done.
4. Looking at the piles you have made (starting with what will go up high on the shelf or shelves) start to put things back into the closet. Grouping similar things into a basket or bin will keep them together and make it easier to find what you are looking for. Label everything. For the hanging clothes you can sort by color going from light to dark (all tops together from white to black) or put all pieces of an outfit together and sort them by color or casual to fancy. Make sure there is space for the long hanging things like dresses. Many people find it easy to hang all tops on the top rack and all bottom pieces (skirts and pants) on the bottom rack. Then you can quickly grab a top and a bottom and off you go. Continue until everything that belongs in the closet that you absolutely love (and fits) is back in there. Then take the bags of give away and put them in your car to drop off. Put the dry cleaning or alterations into a bag and put them in the car. Empty the trash and then empty the box that has things that belong in another room. All that is left is the “undecided” box. Take a second look is there anything you know you really won’t wear…..it doesn’t matter how much you spent on it or how much you saved when you bought it. If it is really only collecting dust, it is not worth the space. For those things you truly cannot decide about, box them up and date the box. In six months take another look inside and see if the decisions are any easier. (Be careful where you store this box that it is not exposed to moisture.)
5. Lastly, maintaining the closet means putting things back where they belong. Use laundry day as a quick tidy up. Gather the empty hangers, put everything back in its place and give it a quick dust and vacuum. Use the one in and one out rule. Buy something new, out with something old. Maintaining the closet of things that fit makes it easy to get dressed, easy to see what you have and takes the stress out of, “What should I wear?”Good luck. Let me know how it goes. I am always happy to answer questions.
