Homework Hassles? Turn That Chore Into a Challenge
Just thinking of "homework" can make children anxious, but you can help them focus on their homework and do it well.
Regina Richards — mother of a child with a learning disabilities, educational therapist, and author of several books on learning disabilities — explains that homework goes beyond teaching academic subjects. It also teaches skills that are vital to success, such as responsibility and independent work habits. Being an Efficient Homework Helper: Turning a Chore Into a Challenge makes these suggestions:
- Respect your child. Respect begins with understanding. If your child resists doing homework, try to figure out why.
- Review the basic assignment with your child to ensure that she understands what is required. Many children miss the overall concept.
- Break the assignment into smaller parts or simple steps.
- Provide structured breaks to reduce fatigue and decrease boredom. You might have your child stretch, do chair pushups, walk to another table to sharpen a pencil, or relax their eyes by looking out the window at a distant target for a count of five.
- If you feel your child is requiring too much time to complete her assignment, keep track of the time and discuss it with your child's teacher.
Can You and Your Child Help with Research?
Do you have a child with reading difficulties who has not yet responded well to available instruction? Would you consider allowing your child to participate in research studies? These studies often involve helpful treatments. Some children benefit from the attention. Your participation would improve the lives of other children with dyslexia, their families, and the education system. Consider signing up for the Dyslexia Research Registry, funded by the National Institutes of Health. In return, you will receive resources and referrals.
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Looking for a Science Internship?
The American Association of Advancement for Science is offering internship opportunities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business for students with disabilities in science, engineering, mathematics, computer science, and some fields of business. These paid positions are with companies such as IBM, NASA, Merck, Google, Lockheed Martin, CVS, and Navair.
Applications are due March 15, 2008.
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Have You Found Teaching Star?
If so, help her get recognized. Nominate her for the 2008 American Stars of Teaching Award given by the U.S. Department of Education. The deadline is March 31, 2008. A teacher will be selected from every state and the District of Columbia and honored in a ceremony this fall.
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New Essays by Children with Learning Disabilities
LD OnLine's Kids' Essay section has several new essays. Read:
- Musings on My Learning Disability
Lyra meditates in a poetic essay about experiencing learning disabilities.
- About My LD
Nicole tells about being tested for LD in the eighth grade.
- Trapped
Martha talks about Nonverbal Learning Disabilities, being trapped in a world which makes very little sense.
- Nobody Is Dumb
Sydney writes about Kelly, who learned she wasn't dumb.
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LINDAMOOD-BELLS'S 16TH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCEThe Sensory-Language Connection You are invited to attend Lindamood-Bell's 16th Annual International Conference at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel® & Spa in Anaheim, California. This conference will offer research sessions in the latest information in brain research, cognition, decoding, language comprehension, vocabulary, dyslexia, hyperlexia, and autism. Workshops in the acclaimed Lindamood-Bell® programs, presented by the authors and Lindamood-Bell's experienced Professional Development Presenters, will also be offered. Eminent keynote speakers include:
For more information or to register today, please call 1-800-233-1819 or visit Lindamood-Bell's website. |
AdLit.org
If you work or live with adolescents who struggle with reading, have we got news for you! We've just launched AdLit.org, our new sister site for parents and educators of kids in grades 4-12. AdLit.org is your source for adolescent literacy material for parents, practitioners, and all people who want students to be better readers and writers.
You'll find articles, information for the classroom, tips for parents, book recommendations, author interviews, a blog, and a free monthly e-newsletter called "Word Up!" Read the section on learning disabilities.
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Featured Articles
For Teachers
- Differentiating Instruction: A Modified Concerto in Four Movements
Differentiating instruction involves expertise in four areas: the students, the curriculum, cognitive theory, and differentiated instruction practices. Find out how to unite these four themes to help your students grow.
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For Parents
- Communicating with Your Child's School Through Letter Writing
Learn to write letters that get your child the services he needs. Read how to write good letters and choose from ten sample letters that cover common situations: requests for evaluation or mediation, positive feedback, and more.
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For LD Students
- A Student's Guide to the IEP
Do you know how you can use your IEP to reach your educational goals? The IEP determines what services you get in school. Plan how to speak up in your IEP review about your progress. Learn to write the IEP so you meet your goals with the support you want. A Student's Guide to the IEP also has helpful information for parents and teachers.
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The 3rd Annual Teaching & Learning CelebrationYour connection to K-12 Professional Development from Public Television 
Public Television honors educators with an exciting professional development experience for teachers, administrators, and everyone who cares about providing dynamic education for all! Brought to you by New York's local public television stations Thirteen/WNET and WLIW21, the Celebration has quickly become one of the nation's premier professional development events. With a focus on science and global awareness, the 2008 Celebration boasts a sterling lineup of speakers, including legendary primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE; Jean-Michel Cousteau of PBS's Ocean Adventures; educational media pioneer Milton Chen; and many others. Please visit www.thirteencelebration.org for registration information, videos and biographies of our featured speakers, a list of exhibitors, and other highlights. |
In the News
- A Child's View of Attention Deficit
- Dysgraphia: More Than Just Bad Handwriting
- Dedham Students Do Well on Tests
View more headlines in LD News >>
Advertise in the LD OnLine Yellow Pages
Reach more than 200,000 parents and professionals each month. Since 1996, LD OnLine has been the number one source of trusted information for parents and professionals.
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