So your child is in school.
And your child gets homework.
Or you might be homeschooling AND
you are trying to find other ways to get your child into some independent learning.
This post is for Autistic and Non Autistic children, as well as parents.
Some Background Info…
I am an Autistic mother to a Non Autistic child and an Autistic child.
My husband is not Autistic.
But we are a well functioning household, in my opinion.
Though there are a lot of challenges and things that we need to get through.
My child has a diagnosis of Autism from the age of 2 years old. There were so many signs that my child was exhibiting that are common with people who are on the spectrum. As well as behaving in a very similar manner to how I used to behave as a child.
As a child, I did not receive any help or therapy in order to help me understand or navigate through my life.
Hence, I am going to do everything in my power to try to help my children to the best of my ability.
Research
I have done a lot of research on how to best raise children.
Thankfully, there has been a massive shift from traditional parenting. Which normally involved spanking children and bringing them down. To more relaxed parenting methods such as gentle parenting.
I have a book which I believe is a very nice introduction into gentle parenting. As well as giving several scenarios and case studies on how you can approach some situations. IN A GENTLE WAY!
Anyone who wishes to read more into how to incorporate gentle parenting into your household, should definitely read Between Parent and Child by Dr. Haim Ginott.
Dr. Ginott, strongly advises parents against getting involved too much in their childs homework.
What this means is that, he says to basically leave the child to it.
The actual goal and aim of homework is to allow a child to independently experience what it is like working on their own.
So, when parents get involved the whole point of doing homework becomes void.
Direct involvement in a childs homework, only lets the child know that you do not believe that they can do it on their own.
Out of all the research we did. And all the conclusions we came to. One of the things that we decided to do for our children, is to place them into a Montessori school.
For both of my children. My Autistic child and my Non Autistic child.
I personally believe that the Montessori approach is the best learning method for children.
And here I will explain my reasons why.
About Montessori
The Montessori approach emphasizes that learning need to happen through hands on exploring. And also hands on discovery.
This is much more preferred. Rather than any traditional or old school methods of instruction such as lectures and homework.
Because of this, most Montessori schools and teachers do not give traditional homework in the same way that other schools do.
Instead, Montessori teachers educate and encourage children to take real ownership of their learning.
As well as helping the child become more independent in learning and exploring. Or even independent practice at home.
For example, children may be encouraged to continue working on projects they began in class or read about personal interest outside of school hours.
In general, it is a belief that children need to be given the freedom to explore their own interests and passions. And to allow them to do this in their own time. Rather than being forced to stick to traditional homework assignments.
Montessori schools believe that children should be encouraged to engage in activities that support their natural curiosity and creativity. For example, reading, playing, and exploring their environment hands on.
Children are given traditional homework assignments that might be disconnected from their individual needs and interests.
And as a result of this, children will get a complete disinterest in homework. AND, long term side effects might include a child who will absolutely refuse to study, to learn and to do homework.
Homework
The Montessori approach to homework is very different from traditional and old school homework in many ways.
Montessori education emphasizes ‘hands-on exploration’. A child should learn through play. And they should learn while doing the things that they enjoy doing.
Actually Pivotal Response Treatment Therapy, which is a therapy we did with our Autistic child for over 2 years, includes a lot of the Montessori method of learning and teaching.
And it has been proven to be the most effective method of encouraging speech progression in Autistic children.
So we know, at least, on some level, that the ‘Montessori’ method works!
I have several posts on PRT Therapies that you can do at home with your child. FOR FREE. While traditional education often involves more structured instruction and homework assignments.
I have written a post on introducing Pivotal Response Treatment Therapy into the home. You can read that post here…
Montessori Homework
In Montessori education, homework is typically seen as an opportunity for children to continue exploring and practicing what they learned in the classroom.
Without having the child feeling like they are being forced to do it.
Children may be encouraged to continue working on projects or pursuing topics of personal interest outside of class, but they are not given traditional homework assignments such as worksheets or textbook readings.
Montessori homework is designed to support the child’s natural curiosity and creativity, and to encourage them to take ownership of their own learning.
It helps a child to take charge of their own learning schedules and allows them AND encourages them to learn about subjects that they might not be learning about in school.
Overall, the Montessori approach to homework is focused on creating a love of learning in the child, rather than simply forcing the child to complete assignments for the sake of grades or academic achievement/medals.
Old School Homework
Traditional homework often involves completing assignments that are disconnected from the child’s interests or experiences.
Essentially, it is making a child do something that they do not like, do want want to learn about, and cannot or will not understand because it makes no sense to them.
It also involves a level of force, as well as competition, that might actually be very unhealthy for the mental stability for a child.
Whether your child has Montessori type homeworks, or has traditional homeworks, sometimes, encouraging children to do homework can be a challenge.
There are 10 strategies that parents and caregivers can use to help motivate and support their child when it comes to homework:
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Set a regular homework routine:
Establishing a regular homework routine can help children develop good study habits and make homework a consistent part of their daily routine.
It also means that your child is guaranteed that they can use their other time for other hobbies or activities. And knowing this is actually very comforting.
I remember as a kid, sometimes my homework would take all day. Because I did not want to do it and so would end up absolutely procrastinating.
I did not want to do it because, I felt like it was a waste of my time. Or that I was not interested in the topic. Or that I really wanted to do something else.
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Create a designated homework space:
Having a designated homework space that is quiet and free from distractions can help children focus and stay on task.
Whether this spot is in the kitchen or in the garden, let it be!
This limits distractions. In particular, I think it is absolutely important to keep the phone off or away to the side.What you can also encourage your child to do, is only look at their phone in increments.
Or after they have achieved a certain amount of the homework. Such as having written several lines or completed a page of activity.
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Provide clear expectations:
Make sure children understand what is expected of them when it comes to homework. This includes the amount of time they should spend on homework, the quality of work expected, and any specific guidelines or deadlines.
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Offer incentives:
Consider offering incentives or rewards for completing homework, such as extra screen time, a favorite snack, or a fun activity.
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Provide support and guidance:
Be available to answer questions and provide support when children need help with homework. Encourage them to ask for help when needed.
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Break tasks into smaller chunks:
Help children break homework tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can make homework feel less overwhelming and help them stay focused.
Also, breaking down homework and taking small breaks in between doing the homework, has actually proven to be a much more effective method at learning and memorising, as well as being productive.
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Use positive reinforcement and understanding:
Give praise and give positive feedback. Positive reinforcement can be extremely powerful motivators. Be sure to acknowledge children’s efforts and successes when it comes to homework.
Positive reinforcement can include you telling your child that after homework there will be TV or gaming.
If your child comes to you and tells you that their homework is hard! DO NOT disagree with them. Instead affirm their feelings and tell them that you understand how they feel.
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Model good study habits:
Set a good example by modeling good study habits, such as setting aside time for work, taking breaks, and staying organized.
Read in front of your child. Show them that you also have an interest in books and in learning.
Children learn very well through copying the adults in their life.
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Communicate with teachers:
Stay in communication with your child’s teacher to understand what they are working on in class and to get feedback on their progress.
As well as truly knowing what they are doing in class, learning your childs weaknesses can be very helpful.
Sometimes children can be ashamed of not being as good as others or as expected in certain subjects. And they might not be confident enough to ask for help.
Without letting your child know that you know they are struggling with something, bring it up in a way that you can work on it together. If that topic is pythagoras theorem, for example, then mention that it is a topic that is complicated and go over it with them.
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Make homework fun:
Look for ways to make homework more engaging and fun. Such as incorporating games or interactive activities with it.
Or you can even make it a family game night activity!