- Gain your child’s attention and eye contact when telling them what you expect them to do. If possible speak specifically to your child rather than the whole group.
- Be specific about what you want them to focus on. If writing down your instructions highlight the important things they must do.
- Don’t include unnecessary details or trivial pieces of information when giving instructions.
- Break down big tasks into smaller steps and give one instruction at a time – have your child come back to you for the next step when they’re done with the first.
- Write things down so they can refer back to the instructions; use written or pictorial checklists for daily routines. Ensure the environment is quiet for homework i.e. no TV or music.
- Tidy the homework desk to avoid distractions; only have the necessary items available. Have regular breaks e.g. for infants spend 5 minutes on homework then 5 minutes break; for primary children 15 minutes homework then 5 minutes break.
- If your child is distracted along the way, redirect them to what they are supposed to be doing – rather than punishing them.
How can I get professional help?
Other links
The handyhandouts website has hundreds of handouts for parents and teachers on a variety of educational topics and learning needs.
Australian Council for Educational Research has many publications for parents and teachers. They also offer workshops in Victoria.
Silvereye stock a range of educational games and parent books on learning and development.
