Students with ADHD often face unique challenges with homework, including cognitive fatigue, emotional exhaustion, and the effects of medication wearing off later in the day. After-school activities or late pickups may further reduce the time available for essential rest and recovery.
It's important to remember:
Extracurriculars may support physical and emotional well-being, help develop talents not tapped at school, and foster positive peer relationships. If beneficial, these activities should be encouraged—not seen as barriers to academic progress.
Why Less Homework Helps
For many students with ADHD, especially before grades 7–8, reducing or removing homework can give them the time they need to re-regulate and return to school ready to learn. Instead of traditional homework, consider supportive alternatives.
Alternative Approaches to Homework
1. Academic Support at School
Address skill gaps through resource support, not extra work at home.
2. Limit Homework Demands
- Set a daily time limit ("hard stop").
- Let students choose a portion of the assignment to complete.
- Replace written work with short parent-child discussions; parents can note key points.
- Allow students to skip easier questions if they show understanding of harder ones (e.g., complete only ‘g’ and ‘h’ from #2 and questions 1-3 in math).
3. Replace with Meaningful Activities
If no homework is needed:
- Try brief, enjoyable activities that support connection and regulation (e.g., teach a breathing technique, practice yoga poses).
- Keep activities short (even 1 minute is enough).
- Use fun, simple feedback (e.g., emoji ratings) to check in with students or caregivers.
- Avoid written reflections—most students with ADHD find them stressful.
- Track enjoyable activities to create a personalised menu over time.
4. Scaffold Homework Skills Gradually
To prepare students for homework in later grades:
- Begin with small steps—e.g., showing parents what was assigned.
- Build up gradually (start with <5 minutes, then slowly increase).
- Watch for signs of overload (e.g., avoidance, frustration, incomplete work).
- Only increase demands when students are comfortable with the current level.
Updated: August 2024