How to Homework: Top 10 Tips for ADHD Success

Summary

This video addresses the struggles of ADHD individuals with homework, offering ten practical tips from Nobel Coaching to enhance focus and productivity. The tips include creating a personalized study space, setting achievable goals, establishing accountability, breaking tasks into smaller parts, incorporating movement, finding study partners, rewarding effort, tracking homework, varying study subjects, and respecting downtime. The video also suggests seeking evaluations for learning disabilities and exploring school accommodations if challenges persist.

Takeaways

• 📚 **Create a Study Space**: Designate a specific, organized area free from distractions to make homework more engaging.
• 🎯 **Set Achievable Goals**: Establish daily goals that are challenging yet realistic to maintain motivation.
• 👤 **Create Accountability**: Increase focus by having someone notice your progress, like a study partner or using a sticker chart.
• 📈 **Break Tasks into Smaller Pieces**: Manage larger projects by dividing them into manageable parts to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
• 🏃 **Add Movement**: Incorporate physical activity to stimulate the brain and improve focus, like using a fidget tool or taking dance breaks.
• 🤝 **Find a Study Buddy**: Studying with others can enhance accountability and make the process more enjoyable.
• 🏅 **Reward Yourself**: Motivate yourself by planning rewards for completing tasks, ensuring they are not constantly accessible to maintain incentive.
• 📋 **Create a Homework Tracking System**: Use a planner or app to visually organize and track assignments, reducing mental load.
• 🔄 **Don't Be Afraid to Mix It Up**: Vary your study subjects or take breaks with different activities to keep the process interesting.
• 🛌 **Respect Your Downtime**: Recognize the importance of rest and breaks for memory consolidation and overall well-being.

Q & A

What is the main challenge ADHD individuals face with homework?

The main challenge ADHD individuals face with homework is the lack of stimulation, which makes it difficult for them to focus on the task at hand.

Why do ADHD brains tend to wander during homework?

ADHD brains tend to wander because they are interest-based learners and often find homework not stimulating enough to hold their attention.

What is the first homework tip suggested by Ana from Nobel Coaching?

The first homework tip suggested is to create a study space, a dedicated area free from distractions where one can organize and personalize their study environment.

How can personalizing the study space help ADHD individuals?

Personalizing the study space with items that are enjoyable and conducive to focus can make the environment more appealing and help ADHD individuals concentrate better.

What is the importance of setting daily goals for homework?

Setting daily goals helps ADHD individuals to have a clear objective and adds a sense of challenge, which can be motivating and help in managing time effectively.

Why is it important to create accountability when doing homework?

Creating accountability ensures that there is someone to notice if the individual does not complete their homework, which can help maintain focus and commitment.

How can breaking homework into smaller pieces be beneficial?

Breaking homework into smaller pieces makes the task more manageable, allows for setting mini-deadlines, and helps in understanding the time required to complete each part.

What role does movement play in helping ADHD brains focus?

Movement can release neurotransmitters that aid in focus, so incorporating movement, such as using a fidget or taking dance breaks, can be beneficial for ADHD individuals.

Why is it recommended to find a study buddy for homework?

A study buddy provides accountability and can make the study session more enjoyable, potentially improving focus and productivity.

What is the significance of rewarding oneself after completing homework?

Rewarding oneself after completing homework serves as positive reinforcement, increasing motivation and making the task feel more enjoyable.

How can creating a homework tracking system help in managing assignments?

A homework tracking system helps in visualizing the workload, organizing tasks, and reducing the feeling of being overwhelmed by providing a clear plan of attack.

What does the tip about mixing up subjects suggest for managing homework?

Mixing up subjects can prevent boredom and maintain interest, especially when working on different subjects that require different cognitive processes.

Why is respecting downtime important for ADHD individuals?

Respecting downtime is crucial as it allows the brain to rest and consolidate learning, preventing burnout and improving overall productivity.

What advice does Ana from Nobel Coaching give for keeping track of 'half-done' projects?

Ana suggests writing a letter to oneself outlining the next steps or recording a video to remind oneself of where to start next, to keep track of ongoing projects.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Strategies for ADHD and Homework Success

This paragraph introduces the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD during homework time and emphasizes the need for a stimulating environment to maintain focus. The speaker partners with Nobel Coaching to present ten homework tips from coach Ana, aimed at creating an effective homework equation for ADHD brains. The tips include creating a personalized study space, setting achievable daily goals, establishing accountability, breaking tasks into smaller pieces, incorporating movement, finding a study buddy, rewarding effort, creating a homework tracking system, varying study subjects, and respecting downtime. The paragraph concludes with an encouragement to experiment with these tips and consider professional help if necessary.

05:02

📈 Homework Management and Accountability Tips

The second paragraph continues the discussion on effective homework strategies for ADHD individuals. It suggests writing down assignments to visualize the workload and manage it better, using a planner or an app to track progress. The importance of mixing up study subjects to maintain interest is highlighted, along with the necessity of taking breaks to aid memory retention. The paragraph concludes with a tip from Ana on how to keep track of long-term projects by writing letters to oneself or recording videos as reminders of next steps. The speaker also promotes Nobel Coaching's services and encourages viewers to engage with the content through subscriptions and donations.

Keywords

💡ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity. In the context of the video, ADHD is central to the theme as it discusses the challenges faced by individuals with ADHD in completing homework and offers strategies to overcome these challenges. The video suggests that individuals with ADHD are often interest-based learners and may struggle with tasks that are not inherently stimulating, such as homework.

💡Homework

Homework refers to tasks assigned to students by teachers to be completed outside of class. In the video, homework is presented as a significant challenge for students with ADHD, who may find it difficult to focus and complete due to lack of stimulation. The script offers various tips to make homework more manageable and engaging for these students.

💡Interest-based learners

Interest-based learners are individuals who are more engaged and motivated to learn when the material is of personal interest to them. The video script mentions that individuals with ADHD are often interest-based learners, implying that they may struggle with homework that does not capture their interest, thus requiring additional strategies to help them focus.

💡Study space

A study space is a designated area where a student can work on their studies in a focused and organized manner. The video emphasizes the importance of creating a personalized and comfortable study space to enhance focus and productivity. It suggests making the space fun and personalized to motivate the student.

💡Accountability

Accountability refers to the expectation that individuals will be responsible for their actions and will be held to answer for them. In the context of the video, creating accountability is one of the strategies suggested to help ADHD students stay on track with their homework. This could involve working with a classmate, using a sticker chart, or having a supportive friend to track progress.

💡Stimulating

Stimulating, in this context, refers to the quality of being mentally or emotionally engaging. The video discusses how homework may not be stimulating enough for ADHD brains, leading to difficulty in focusing. To address this, the video suggests adding elements to the homework process that can stimulate the brain and keep the student engaged.

💡Fidget

A fidget is a small object that people manipulate, often unconsciously, to help them concentrate. The video suggests using a fidget as a way to allow for movement while working, which can be beneficial for ADHD brains that need physical activity to focus.

💡Study buddy

A study buddy is a person, often a peer, with whom one studies to increase motivation and accountability. The video recommends finding a study buddy as a strategy to make studying more engaging and to help maintain focus, especially for individuals with ADHD.

💡Reward system

A reward system is a method of motivation where individuals receive a reward after completing a task or achieving a goal. The video suggests using a reward system to incentivize effort and completion of homework, with the reward being something the student genuinely desires.

💡Homework tracking system

A homework tracking system is a method of organizing and keeping track of assignments. The video recommends creating such a system to visualize the workload and manage it effectively. This can be done using a planner, a notebook, or an app, depending on the student's preference.

💡Downtime

Downtime refers to periods of rest or inactivity, especially after a period of work or stress. The video emphasizes the importance of respecting downtime as it is crucial for the brain to process and remember information. It advises against feeling guilty during rest periods and instead to view them as an integral part of the learning process.

Highlights

Homework can be a challenge for ADHD brains due to a lack of stimulation.

ADHD individuals are often interest-based learners, requiring more engaging tasks to focus.

To enhance focus, consider adding stimulating elements to homework.

Creating a personalized study space can improve concentration.

Personalize the study area with items that promote focus and comfort.

Setting daily goals can provide a sense of achievement and motivation.

Accountability through a study partner or sticker chart can keep ADHD students on track.

Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable pieces can make them less overwhelming.

Incorporating movement can help ADHD brains stay engaged and focused.

Studying with a buddy can provide social interaction and accountability.

Rewarding oneself after completing homework can serve as a powerful motivator.

A homework tracking system can help visualize and manage tasks more effectively.

Switching between subjects or taking breaks can prevent burnout and maintain interest.

Respecting downtime is crucial for the brain to consolidate learning.

Different strategies may work for different students, requiring a trial-and-error approach.

If struggles persist, consider evaluations for learning disabilities or school accommodations.

Nobel Coaching provides ADHD-friendly online coaching and tutoring services.

For long-term projects, leaving notes or recordings can help remember where to resume.

Transcripts

Hello Brains! For many ADHD brains and the hearts who love them, homework can be a nightly battle.

*Child wailing and crying*

Don't worry. I'm here to help and I brought reinforcements

Homework is one of the biggest challenges for those of us with ADHD. It's not that we aren't smart or can't do it.

It's because honestly, we're interest-based learners. Unless it's an assignment or subject

we're really excited about, homework usually isn't

stimulating enough to our brains for us to be able to focus on it.

Even if we try. Even if we try harder. Because homework isn't stimulating enough, our brains tend to wander all over the room and

usually find something more exciting to focus on. So how do we get our ADHD brains to focus for long enough to finish that homework?

How do we win this nightly battle?

Simple math -- if homework isn't stimulating enough on its own,

maybe we need to add something to the homework equation to help us get it done. This week

I partnered with Nobel Coaching, who provides

adhd-friendly online coaching and tutoring, to bring you ten homework tips that can help you find a homework equation that works for your brain.

These tips were suggested by one of their amazing

coaches Ana. And because the research I do for this channel is basically like the adult version of homework

I decided to try them out. Ready? Let the battle begin. 1. Create a study space.

Don't do your homework where other people might distract you.

Find your place, your corner where you can organize your space and turn it into homework headquarters.

Too boring. It doesn't have to be, make it your own.

Ask yourself, if I could make this a fun place to study, what would I need to change about it?

What would make it more fun to look at? What helps me focus? What kind of supplies

do I need?

Think of places you like to work

and try to make your space feel more like that. Like cuddling up on the sofa? Put a pillow behind you and keep a cozy

blanket nearby. Like studying in the park? Put a plant near your desk and open the window so you can feel the breeze...

or not. Pick out comfortable clothes, especially for studying. Study slippers? Study glasses? Study hat?

Set up special homework music, lighting, or

whatever helps you get in the mood. Put

motivational quotes on the wall. This place should remind you of what you're supposed to be doing when you're actually there.

2. Challenge yourself. Set a goal you want to achieve. It doesn't have to be a long-term goal

It can be a daily goal such as solving 15 math problems in less than two hours.

But watch out! Do not set unrealistic expectations. Try to estimate

how long it would normally take based on the assignment and how fast you usually work and just slightly increase the pressure. For some ADHD

brains, competing with themselves is exciting enough, but if that doesn't work...

3. Create some accountability.

it's easier to stay on track when somebody will notice if you don't, so

do your daily challenges with a classmate. Find a supportive friend who can cheer you on when you succeed.

Sticker charts work really great too. 4. Break it...

into smaller pieces. Just like you wouldn't grab a whole pizza and start eating it from one side,

it's probably not a good idea to tackle a whole project all at once.

Before you start, divide it into smaller

doable

pieces. This will help you get a better idea of how long it'll take for you to finish it, and allow you to set mini

deadlines for each piece. Hey, more stickers!

5. Add some movement. Adhd brains work best when they're allowed to move. Try using a fidget while you do math. Pace around the

room while you read. Or take a short dance break between assignments.

This will release neurotransmitters in your brain that can actually help you focus. Dance party!

6. Find a study buddy. Studying with someone else adds accountability

and it's more fun. Apps like these

can make great study buddies on their own, or you can use them with friends. If your study buddy needs to study something else, that

works too. Just having someone in the room can help you stay focused. Just make sure they're actually there to study.

7.

Reward yourself for your effort. Sometimes it feels like nothing in the world would make homework easier or more fun.

It can help to think of ways to reward yourself after you're done.

Make it something that you really like, so you'll actually want to earn it. What's important is not to have your reward

accessible at all times.

Your parents can help with this -- maybe you can ask them to hang on to your iPad

until you've earned your stickers for the day, or remind you when it's time to start working

so you'll be able to earn them. This is a great way for them to help you stay focused without feeling like they're pressuring you.

8. Create a homework tracking system. Battle plan. Plan of attack.

Sometimes it can feel like we have so much more work than we actually do

Writing all of the assignments down can help you see how much there really is so you can figure out how to get it all

done. Once it's down on paper,

you won't have to hold it all in your head.

So it's a lot less overwhelming trying to keep track of it all. Bonus: you get to cross things out.

Pick a planner you really like so you're more likely to use it.

Some people like notebooks, some people like apps. Use whatever works for you.

9. Don't be afraid to mix it up. If it's hard for you to stick to one subject, don't.

Try switching back and forth between two or three, just make sure the subjects are significantly different. For example,

you can combine Math and English,

but combining American history and

European history might get a bit confusing. If you only need to work on one subject, maybe mix it up with 10-minute breaks

where you do something else, like color or play an instrument. Do what you like. Breaks are important too. Speaking of which,...

10. Respect your downtime.

When you have a lot of homework,

projects, exams you should be studying for, you can fall into the trap of feeling bad when you're resting because you know there's always

something you should be doing.

But taking breaks is part of the process.

It helps your brain remember what you've learned, so it's important to respect your rest time as much as you respect your study time.

There you go.

Battle won. Of

course, the homework

equation that works can be different from student to student, and even day to day. So a lot of this is a process of trial

and error. Let go of your expectations

just give some of these tips a shot, and see if they help. If the battle continues, it might be a good idea to get

evaluated for learning disabilities

Dyslexia, for example, is super common in ADHD brains. Or look into accommodations your school can provide. That's it for this week.

Nobel Coaching was awesome for making this video possible. If you'd like to learn more about their online coaching or

tutoring services, or to set up a free consultation,

check out nobelcoaching.com If you like this episode, subscribe.

And if you love this episode and want to help me make more, consider donating to my patreon page, like these brains did!

Thank you to all my patreon brains for helping keep me accountable.

Let me know what your homework challenges and tips are in the comments below or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter and I will

see you next week. Bye brains! Question Time! Emily Seagle asks

What's the best way to keep track of "half done" projects. The ones that are supposed to take a long time, without

completely forgetting where you are? Well, since she did such a good job helping us with the tips,

I'll let Ana from Nobel Coaching answer this one. Hi everyone,

this is Ana. Write a letter to yourself that tells you what your next steps are. For example if you were doing the science

project, you might write down

"Review the key terms and

read chapter three next." And if writing takes too much time,

record a video. That way you'll have you telling you where to start from. Bye everyone.