10 ADHD-Friendly Homework Tips

In her popular YouTube video series How to ADHD, Jessica McCabe shares personal stories, tools, and insights for navigating a world that isn’t designed for the neurodivergent brain. With Reading Week around the corner, students with ADHD may find Jessica’s eight-minute video on How To Homework: Top 10 Tips for ADHD Success a worthwhile watch.

She highlights that students with ADHD are interest-based learners – it’s not about being “not smart” or “unable to do the work”. Rather, unless an assignment feels interesting or exciting, it often isn’t stimulating enough for ADHD brains to stay focused.

There are strategies, however, that students with ADHD can try out to overcome struggles with homework and studying.

In her short video, McCabe highlights the following strategies that can help ADHD brains navigate the struggles.

1. Create a study space. Find a spot you can make you into your own dedicated, distraction-free study space. Incorporate items that make it a space that feels good to be in and reminds you of what you are there to do. Ask yourself, “If I could make this a great place to study, what would I change about it?” “What would be fun to look at, what helps me focus, what kind of supplies do I need?” If you like cozy vibes, add a fuzzy blanket and pillows. Bring the outdoors in with a plant, or sit by a window for natural light. Hang artwork or motivational quotes – whatever puts you in a studying mood.
2. Set a goal. Challenge yourself with a goal you want to achieve. It doesn’t have to be long-term – it could be as simple as reading a chapter in the next hour.
3. Create accountability. Set daily challenges with a classmate or friend who can check in on your progress and can cheer you on. If you like the fun factor, sticker charts are also great!
4. Break it up into smaller pieces. Just like you wouldn’t eat a whole pizza in one sitting, it’s probably not a good idea to tackle a whole project all at once. Break it into smaller, manageable parts. Consider how long each section will take and set mini deadlines for completing each piece.
5. Add movement. ADHD brains often focus best when their bodies can move. Try using a fidget, pacing while you read, or take short walks or dance breaks between tasks or assignments. Movement releases neurotransmitters that can help improve focus.
6. Find a study buddy. A study buddy adds accountability, makes studying more fun, and helps you stay on track (as long as they are actually there to study. Apps like Quizlet/Kahoot can also serve as virtual study partners.
7. Reward yourself. Plan a small reward for your effort once you’re done. Add a sticker to your chart, watch an episode of a favourite show, or meet a friend for a break.
8. Use a homework tracking system. Write all your assignments down so you can see your workload clearly and plan accordingly. Getting tasks out of your head and onto paper makes things feel more manageable – and crossing items off your list can be very satisfying. Choose a planner that works for you – paper, digital or a mix of both.
9. Mix it up! If it’s hard to focus on one subject for an extended period of time, don’t. Switch between topics to keep your brain engaged – but make sure they are different enough not to blend together. Take short breaks throughout and do something you enjoy, like playing an instrument or snuggling with a pet.
10. Build in downtime. When you have a lot to do, it’s easy to feel guilty for resting or doing something fun. But taking breaks is part of the process. It helps your brain remember what you learned. Respect your rest time as much as you respect your study time.

Not all of these will work for all students. A good approach is to try out one or two strategies at a time to see if they make a difference for you!