School Work Refusal

Tip Sheet for Parents  

One of the struggles that parents and teachers alike are talking about is trying to get students to generalize school-behavior at home…. in an environment they have been practicing home behavior. For some students, we understand that work avoidance is a particular issue. Since things cannot happen in the traditional classroom, here are some suggestions to make schooling as consistent as possible. 

-Make space for learning Many adults have a specific area of the home in which they do work, and it’s important that you create a similar space for your child. Your children will achieve their best work in a quiet, comfortable, and dedicated space that is strictly devoted to learning. This space should be a different set-up than where they normally play games or watch television, if your home will allow for that. 

-Don’t underestimate the power of a schedule To the extent possible, experts recommend keeping everyone on the same or similar sleeping schedule. Write down or post the schedule provided to you by your students' teachers.  Having a clear vision of what is expected of your child will help them to understand the expectations. Experts also recommend helping students to prioritize; to learn  to create goals, tasks, and deadlines, just like adults do when they go to work.

 

-Maintain breaks including lunch and recess Routines and schedules are extremely important for children at school, and this is no different for at-home school. Children will function best if they maintain their routine as close to normal as possible. Setting alarms similar to those they would encounter at school can be helpful for keeping them on a schedule. Around lunch time, encourage them to get up, get some fresh air, go for a walk or bike ride, or have a snack so that they are not sedentary for the entire day.  

-Allow Your Student Some Choice While maintaining an at home “school schedule’ allow for some choice and flexibility, depending on your students' *(and family) needs. During a ‘session’ allow them to choose if they are going to work on math or reading. Offer encouragement and positive reinforcement for efforts made. This is new territory for all, and as we all learn to be effective in this situation, we need to remember to offer positive encouragement for efforts towards completion of work. Even if the entire assignment isn't completed.With reluctant learners in the traditional learning environment, we often encourage teachers to express verbal approval for any sign of beginning the assignment, even if the student just completes a small part of the work. 

For more information, reach out by email, or check out the links below: 

• Help for caregivers: Keeping Kids Focused During On-Line Learning

• 7 Ways to Stop the Struggle Over Homework

• Support At-Home-Learning forStudents with Attention Difficulties

• School Refusal

 Is a Worry Worrying You?

(You are not alone!)

In addition to all of the wonderful Counselor Keri videos and the link to "Wilma Jean, the Worry Machine" by Julia Cook you can find here (linked with permission) I wanted to post another great story for our students about skills for managing a worry.  

For Students:

Ruby Finds a Worry - Read-Aloud

For Adults:

We are all feeling the strain of the current situation, both in education, and our greater communities.  There are many resources for coping with your own worries.  Please feel free to reach out to me if I may be of assistance.  If you are not ready for that, some of the following links might be useful: 

Managing Anxiety During Re-Opening

Recognize Physical Symptoms of Worry

How to Avoid Passing |Anxiety on to Your Kids

Just a Thought....

Is your child "Highly Sensitive"?

Has your child been described as an "Old Soul"?  
Can sounds, textures or lights be easily overwhelming? 
Do changes in routine mean a major upset?  
If so, congratulations.... you may have a highly sensitive child!

Parents need to know that being "sensitive" does not mean that there is something "wrong" with a person! For this week's "Just a thought....." please read along for more information, or reach out if you have concerns about your own child.   

Parenting the highly-sensitive child

What every sensitive child needs to hear