44. It's Time to Rethink Homework

09/20/23 • 15 min

I’m just going to say it: Homework is a thorn in the side for most parents raising neurodivergent kids. In case you haven’t experience it, let me explain:

You wake up in the morning ready to implement your well-crafted morning routine that includes the most efficient way to get your child clothed, fed, packed up, and in the car with the fewest moments of frustration, tears, and conflict with siblings. Because school is hard for your child, making it through the morning routine and into the school building is your child’s first triumph of the day.

During that school day, your child is faced with challenging tasks. There will be spoken language to process, pencils to grip, bodies to keep still, transitions to initiate, social interactions to understand, and non-preferred academic work to complete. Your child will be exhausted when they get to you at pick-up. This is understandable. They have just “left it all on the field” of the classroom. They need time to recover, to engage in preferred play, and to rest and reconnect with you. But before they can rest, some days your child will have a therapy appointment to work on emotional regulation, language skills, motor skills, or sensory needs.

But, what happens when they get home? There is homework. Your child does not yet work independently so you are now their teacher, except you don’t have a degree in special education. Not only do you not know how to teach your exhausted child, you are also trying to cook dinner, pick up a sibling from dance, and return a work call because you left work early to be home with your child after school. You are exhausted, too.

So, why are we giving homework to our most worn-out students? There are many costs, but are there any benefits?

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Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

I’m just going to say it: Homework is a thorn in the side for most parents raising neurodivergent kids. In case you haven’t experience it, let me explain:

So, why are we giving homework to our most worn-out students? There are many costs, but are there any benefits?

---
Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

Previous Episode

43. Homeschooling Your Neurodivergent Child with Amy Langston

Are you facing the dilemma of whether homeschooling is the right choice for your neurodivergent child? Are you concerned about the challenges it might bring, such as college admissions or socialization?

Today, we sit down with Amy Langston, an autistic self-advocate, to explore her remarkable homeschooling journey. Discover how she and her family tackled the decision to homeschool, overcame obstacles, and reaped the benefits of this unconventional approach to education.

Amy shares insights into the world of homeschooling, addressing the very concerns you might have. From tailoring the curriculum to your child's interests to ensuring a smooth transition to college, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how homeschooling can be a viable (and likely rewarding) option.

Amy Langston is an autistic self advocate, diagnosed at the age of 10. Her special interest is in world religions and she holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in religious studies. She delivers training sessions to religious organizations and others on autism inclusion.

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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

This episode of Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence, and recorded in the Earfluence Podcast Studio in Downtown Raleigh.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools

Next Episode

45. Calming the Chaos, with Dayna Abraham

As a parent or teacher, what should we do when our child is in the middle of a meltdown?

Today we welcome Dayna Abraham, a National Board Certified educator, parent of three neurodivergent children, and an ADHD adult herself. Dayna introduces her Calm the Chaos framework, which consists of four key principles: Connection, Understanding, Empowerment, and You (the parent as a calm presence). These principles form the foundation for effective parenting and helping children thrive, especially during difficult moments.

Dayna Abraham is the bestselling author of The Superkids Activity Guide to Conquering Every Day, and her new book Calm the Chaos: A Fail-Proof Road Map for Parenting Even the Most Challenging Kids is available now!
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Sign up for Dr. Emily's weekly newsletter at www.learnwithdremily.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit learnwithdremily.substack.com.

Learn with Dr. Emily is edited by Earfluence.

Helpful Resources
Parent Workshops - https://learnwithdremily.substack.com/s/parent-workshops
Professional Development - Bring Dr. Emily to Your School - https://www.learnwithdremily.com/schools