Homework takes time, but it doesn’t have to take up too much of it. You want time to play, relax, and do other things too. By getting organized and staying focused, you can finish your homework faster and with less stress. Read these tips with a parent or teacher, and choose one to try. As you practice, you’ll become a homework pro and enjoy more free time. Here’s how:
1. Organize
Being organized means having everything you need and knowing where to find it. When you’re organized, you don’t waste time searching for things.
- Organize Your Stuff: Label your notebooks or folders, and keep school papers in the right places. Use one folder for homework papers (pick a bright color), and another for finished homework (use a different color). Put papers away immediately so you can quickly find what you need.
Clean out your backpack daily, so it contains only what you need. Use a clear plastic zipper pouch to store small items, keeping them from getting lost at the bottom of your backpack. Ask a parent or teacher to help you organize your backpack until you can do it on your own. - Organize Your Space: Have a specific place for doing homework, like a desk or table. Avoid using your bed for homework, as it can make you sleepy or distracted.
Gather the supplies you need before starting your homework. If you use a tablet or laptop, ensure it’s charged. Keep your charger in a designated spot to avoid searching for it later.
At school, clean out your locker or desk weekly if they get messy. If you’re unsure what to keep or how to organize, ask your teacher for help. - Organize Your Time: Find the best time for you to do homework. Some people like to start right after school to finish early. Others prefer a break first but might struggle to start afterward. The best time to do homework is when you’re not too tired. Make it a habit to do homework in the same place and at the same time each day.
2. Focus
When it’s homework time, it’s time to focus. This means giving your full attention to your work.
- Put Away Distractions: Turn off devices and avoid talking to friends while working. Background noise like music or videos can distract you. Promise yourself free time once your homework is done.
- Slow Down and Take Your Time: Rushing through homework can lead to mistakes. When you slow down, you learn more and do better work. To help yourself focus, take a few slow breaths: breathe in through your nose, and breathe out slowly. This helps calm your mind.
- Look Over Your Homework List: Write down your homework in a notebook or check your teacher’s posts on a learning platform. Make a list of all assignments so you can see what needs to be done.
- Get Started: Choose the first task and talk yourself through it. For example: «I’ll start with math. Let me read the first problem.» Take each step one at a time, focusing on what you’re doing. When you finish a task, check it off your list.
- Keep Going: Some people tackle the hardest tasks first, while others prefer to start with the easiest. Do what works best for you. If you get distracted, gently guide your attention back to your work.
- Take Breaks: Work for 10–15 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Use a timer to keep track. During breaks, move around, stretch, or walk around your homework area. Avoid starting other activities, like playing or watching TV.
3. Get It Done!
You’re almost there! Use these final steps to finish strong:
- Check Your Work: Make sure your work is neat and free of mistakes. Check your list to see if there’s anything you forgot. Ensure your name is on your work.
- Feel Proud of Your Effort: Take a moment to recognize what you did well. Maybe you worked hard, fixed a mistake, or didn’t give up. Celebrate the small victories.
- Put Your Work Where It Belongs: If using a learning platform, follow the instructions for submitting your work. Put completed homework papers in the right folder and place the folder in your backpack.
Now you’re DONE—awesome!
Ask for Help When You Need It
Staying organized and focused can be challenging, especially for kids with ADHD. Everyone can improve with practice and some help from others. Ask a parent or teacher to help you set up an organizational system that works for you.
If you struggle with staying focused, starting, or finishing your homework, adults can help you with that too. Be patient with yourself as you practice. The more you work on these skills, the better you will get at them.