About the speaker: Dr Helen Likierman is a consultant clinical psychologist working with families and children where there are emotional, social, behavioural or learning concerns. Visit Helen's website at www.psykidz.co.uk.
Further information about this Talk
Further Reading:
Visit Helen's website at www.psykidz.co.uk.
To get hold of Valerie Muter's and Helen Likierman's latest book on how parents can help with dyslexia, dyspraxia and related learning difficulties please click here.
Key Points Covered in This Talk:
- Create the homework habit: In a similar way that children get into the habit of cleaning their teeth, the same goes for homework. Make it part of the school day and routinely start homework soon after returning home from school. Work in chunks using a kitchen timer. Shorter periods, moving up to fifteen minute chunks with older children works best.
- Prepare and plan homework: They need to plan how long they need and what equipment they need. Encourage them to remember to write down what homework they need to do (rather than calling up friends to find out what needs doing). Use a systematic rewards system. An organisation chart (especially for older children) where children make a note of all the details required will ensure they can keep tabs on their own performance.
- Reward schemes: Systematically use a reward scheme to reinforce homework habit (praise for all, stickers for younger, points system for older).
de Bono's Thinking Hats: What are Edward de Bono's six thinking hats? Kim Wells describes what de Bono's thinking hats are and how they can be used as a learning and thinking strategy. 
Helping Your Child at Home: Concentration: Dr Valerie Muter gives some helpful tips on how you can help improve your child's concentration.
Helping Your Child at Home: Organisation, Revision and Exams: Dr Helen Likierman shares some helpful tips on how parents can help their children beat disorganisation.