Effective Homework Strategies for Students With Learning Disabilities

Many students with learning or reading disabilities struggle with homework. Here are five research-supported strategies that teachers can use to support them.

Homework plays a crucial role in academic success, helping reinforce learning, build study and organizational skills, and keep parents informed about student progress.

When students with disabilities participate in the general education curriculum, they are expected to complete homework like their peers. However, they may require accommodations to succeed. Research has identified several strategies that can help students with learning disabilities effectively manage homework:

1. Provide Clear and Manageable Assignments
   • Ensure homework is appropriate and aligned with classroom learning.
   • Avoid overwhelming students with excessively difficult or lengthy tasks.
   • Clearly explain assignments and write them on the board for reference.
2. Offer Homework Accommodations
   • Modify assignments based on individual needs.
   • Provide alternative formats or additional time if necessary.
3. Teach Study Skills
   • Help students develop organization, time management, and note-taking skills.
4. Use a Homework Calendar
   • Encourage students to track deadlines and plan tasks efficiently.
5. Facilitate Clear Home-School Communication
   • Keep parents informed about homework expectations and available support.

By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a more inclusive learning environment, helping students with learning disabilities succeed academically.

• Establish a routine at the beginning of the year for how homework will be assigned
• Assign homework toward the beginning of class
• Relate homework to classwork or real life (and/or inform students how they will use the content of the homework in real life)
• Explain how to do the homework, provide examples and write directions on the chalkboard
• Have students begin the homework in class, check that they understand, and provide assistance as necessary
• Allow students to work together on homework
  

  Effective Homework Strategies for Students With Learning Disabilities

  Supporting students with learning disabilities in completing homework requires strategic accommodations. Here are five proven strategies to enhance their engagement, understanding, and success.

  1. Provide Clear and Manageable Assignments

  To ensure students can complete homework effectively:

  • Assign work that aligns with their classroom learning.
  • Break assignments into smaller, manageable tasks.
  • Clearly explain instructions and display them in the classroom.

  2. Modify Homework as Needed

  Tailor assignments to meet individual student needs by:

  • Offering one-on-one support.
  • Allowing alternative response formats (e.g., oral responses instead of written).
  • Reducing workload without compromising learning objectives.
  • Providing assistive tools like calculators or peer support.

  3. Teach Essential Study Skills

  Many students, especially those with disabilities, struggle with organization. Teachers can help by teaching:

  • How to create a distraction-free homework space.
  • Time management and note-taking strategies.
  • Steps for breaking down complex assignments.
  • Methods for checking work before submission.

  4. Implement a Homework Planner

  A structured planner helps students track assignments and deadlines. An effective system may include:

  • A weekly calendar for recording tasks and teacher-parent communication.
  • A self-monitoring chart where students track their completion rates.
  • A reward system for meeting homework goals, such as extra recess time.

  5. Strengthen Home-School Communication

  Since homework is completed outside the classroom, clear communication between teachers and parents is crucial. Schools can support this by:

  • Encouraging students to maintain assignment logs.
  • Providing parents with guidance on how to assist with homework.
  • Using emails, hotlines, or progress reports to keep parents informed.
  • Offering after-school tutoring for additional support.

  By implementing these strategies, teachers can create a supportive environment that enhances learning and homework completion for students with disabilities.