Items A Parent Of A Child with ADHD or a Learning Disability Must Have
Homework time can feel like Hell. (Pardon me for the language, but if you live it, you know what I mean). As a former special education teacher, and a mom with a child with attention and hyperactive behaviours, I know how challenging it can be to get an unmotivated, unfocused, easily frustrated child to start, and (dare to dream) … complete a homework assignment. Until the school boards approve homework in video-gaming app format, here are some cheap, easy to find Dollarstore items (#tools) that will help ease the agony. (#adhd, #learningdisabilities)
- Ear plugs — Useful to minimizes auditory distractions.
- Dry erase board— create weekly calendar of when assignments are due. For the child with a learning disability you may colour code by subject (blue – Math, Yellow – Language Arts). #dyslexia
- Checklist pad — task manager. Itemize steps or tasks involved with doing larger projects
- Small Squishy Ball — small air or foam filled balls for squishing and fidgeting while working.
Related Post: Stressed Parents’ Guide to Homework Without War
5. Digital Kitchen Timer — Necessity for ADHD child. Set time goals for them to complete segments of their assignment. Set time for movement breaks or approved off-task breaks.
6. Foamcore boards or 3-Paneled Project boards — Create a personal space zone at desk or table to reduce distractions. Very helpful you have siblings working together in same space (e.g. shared kitchen island)
7. Chewing Gum — Provides oral stimulation, (repeated motor action) which may help some children focus.
Find Local (Edmonton) Dollar Stores for Homework Tools
Wondering what are the dollar stores serving your neighborhoods of St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Ellerslie, or Summerside in Edmonton? Check out
The Dollar Tree
– 2 locations: Calgary Trail and 28 Avenue
Dollar N Plus
– Heritage Valley off 111 Street
Dollarama
– South Edmonton Common
Live in another city in Canada or the US? Find one in Google Maps
Help for Families Canada offers counseling support to children with ADHD or learning disabilities as well as parent skills coaching. Through various play therapy strategies children learn skills to regulate their energy and attention and how to work through feelings of failure and frustration so that they have more confidence and become higher achieving students. Click below to find out more.
The dry erase board is an excellent tool – used mostly by us as a teaching aid for reinforcing concepts.
We used to rely on the timer when SN kid was younger, and it was also helpful to set boundaries and manage expectations.
We will try the gum – which undoubtedly will be crowd favorite.
Thanks for the tips!
You are welcome Andrea. Thanks for the added tip on the dry erase boards. They are great for brainstorming and working through ideas, quick easy erase to edit, as well for giving instruction as a parent. Keep in touch, I value my readers’ input.
Great tips!
Thank you for your encouraging feedback. Glad to be of help. Feel free to msg us if you would like to see a post with tips on a special issue. Check back with us soon for more.
Good write up.