We have a horrific time getting our second-grade son to stick with and finish his homework. He becomes quite frustrated when learning new math or phonics concepts and also when studying for spelling tests. His teachers last year and this year have said he has problems paying attention and often doesn't finish classroom assignments in the time allotted, but he does well on tests (usually in the 92-100 percent range). We had him tested by a psychologist last year, but he felt his attention problem was not severe enough to warrant treatment (and we are very much against medicating). What can we do to improve his study skills? - Losing Our Minds
Answer: Obviously your son is a bright little boy, but he does need help in learning how to handle his schoolwork and homework. You can help him learn how to do this. Before a homework session, have him tell you what he has to do and what he plans to do first. Have him read the directions of the first assignment to you and describe what he is to do. Give him help with the directions, if necessary. Watch him get started to be sure he is on the right track. Then let him work independently. If he has more than one assignment, follow the same steps with the others.
When you think your son has mastered handling his work, have him just tell you everything he is going to do until the steps become automatic. Hopefully, this approach will begin to carry over to the classroom. Also, you might be able to alleviate some of your child's frustration with learning new concepts by having him redo school worksheets on new ones before starting homework assignments.
Because your son has attention problems, he needs a very structured study time. It should be held in the same place, away from distractions and at the same time each day. The time will be most productive if it does not follow a sedentary activity. Because he has trouble staying on task, have him work for a short period of time and take just a few minutes break before resuming his work. Gradually, your child should be able to lengthen his period of concentration. A limited amount of TV and video and computer game time and plenty of physical activity are always good ideas for children with attention problems.