are you thinking this is unusual??? not every kid is going to think homework is fun. However, the trick is get them to realize it's value. If their special needs is there something that impeding them from making it easy for them to learn. Is it reading or numbers. Look at their class load, and see if it's a certain area. Are there classes they do well in? (not counting gym class). Or is it more they don't want to take the time because it's not fun like playing is? If that't case, then it has more to do with laziness or lack of discipline. That doesn't necessarily mean on your part, but you may contribute to it. We all as parents strive to instill a sense of discipline for accomplishment within our children. But we can do all the right things and if they don't take the initiative to absorb it, then that's all for naught. you can only do so much.
Have they had a strong base in disciplining themselves to accomplish tasks that aren't school related? like mowing the lawn, cleaning their rooms, clearing the dishes...when their young this is where that starts and as they grow you just replace tasks for age appropriateness or modify a schedule. I would not try to involve them in a sport, just to encourage them to do homework. That only adds one more stressor to whats already stressing them. I would however, remove the games, the tv, the computer. There were several times I remember the tv getting locked in the trunk of the car because my bro. was going through the same thing. Yeah, it sucks for the rest of the family, but it only lasts as long as bad behavior lasts. It can also be a learning experience for those others. 30 years ago things like tv, cell phones, video games, computers were not so "seemingly vital" as they SEEM today and yet people were just as successful. I had an issue in 4th grade with getting my homework (specifically math) done. I had to stay in from recess (I didn't like it, but that was my only choice) among no privileges. My dad's stepson is currently going to flunk out of his junior year because he won't do the work. Now his case is that he is very smart. and he doesn't think he needs to do it. If it takes holding him back a grade that may have to happen. You can only do so much. don't yell at him, but be firm and consistent about making time for homework--maybe while you're fixing dinner or after dinner. if his teachers can't get him to do it, let them grade him accordingly. Because in the end he "makes his own bed, let him lie it." For some kids that's the only way they will learn. Forturneately, for myself, I didn't like be singled out like that, so I worked my rear off and my teachers were amazed. My dad's stepson...totally different...he may have to watch his classmates move on without him to get the point. There are people in our society that have to hit rock bottom b4 they get the picture.
If you need to have him tested for learning disorders do it. If you have, and you know where you stand look to see how you administer. is it the area?
BE SURE to praise the things he does do well. Do let him go around thinking he can't do anything, because that will contribute to him feeling bad enough to not do the work. Even if it's one thing, make a big deal out of it. and when he does do something well or get an assignment done, make it big. recognize him for it. He may discover he likes that feeling and want to do more. I remember how I felt the first success I had on the multlplication timed tests (my baliwick)--it was awesome. Then when my next conference came around and my teachers and parents were so excited over my progress, that totally puffed me up.
