Homework Tips: Building Routines & Getting Started

Why is Getting Started So Difficult?

"Their teacher always has positive things to say—he works hard at school and follows directions. But after school? Complete meltdown. Don't even get me started on homework..."

I frequently hear a version of this from parents.  What students are experiencing is called after-school restraint collapse. Your child has been working overtime all day to focus, follow instructions, and manage their differences. By 3 PM, they're emotionally and mentally exhausted.

This can happen to all students, but it is especially apparent for students with processing differences. These children are working twice as hard just to get through a typical school day. So when homework time arrives, their tank is completely depleted.

Step 1: Honor the need for downtime

Before jumping into homework, give your child time to decompress. Downtime looks different for everyone! Some students will benefit from activities that release pent-up energy, while others need rest and recovery.

Activities to release energy:

• Outdoor play or sports

• Jumping on a trampoline

• Dance party!

• Quick bike ride around the block

Activities for rest

• Quiet time with dim lighting

• Coloring or puzzles

• Soft music or complete silence

• ⚠️ Avoid overwhelming questions about their day

Skip the screens during downtime. While tempting, electronics can be overstimulating and make the transition to homework even harder.

💡 Pro Tip: Use a visual timer to ease the transition between downtime and homework.  

Step 2: Create A Homework Station

Consistency is your friend. Establish these three habits:

1. Same time daily (when possible)—this builds the habit faster

2. Designated homework spot—away from TV and distractions

3. All supplies ready—pencils, paper, calculator, whatever they typically need

Avoid the couch or bed for homework. It helps the brain associate this space with focus and learning.

Step 3: Make a Game Plan

Before touching any assignment, spend a few minutes helping your student create a simple checklist. At the beginning of the year, they may need direct guidance through this process.

The Daily Homework Checklist:

• Write down a list of every assignment (use their planner or school platform)

• Break large projects into smaller chunks

• Estimate the time for each task

• Choose the starting point together

Quick Example of Breaking Down Tasks:

Instead of "Finish science project," identify the steps:

👉 Read chapter 4 (15 minutes)

👉 Write 3 main points (10 minutes)

👉 Find 2 pictures for the poster (15 minutes)

Step 4: Choose Your Starting Point Wisely

Not all homework is created equal. Help your child pick their first task based on their energy level:

High energy? Start with the hardest subject

Low energy? Begin with something achievable to build confidence

Scattered attention? Alternate between preferred and non-preferred tasks

Action Plan

This week, focus only on these fundamentals:

🧘‍♀️ Implement 30-60 minutes of productive downtime

📝 Set up a consistent homework station

✅ Create a daily checklist together before starting assignments

Don't worry about perfect execution—you're building new habits, and that takes time.