Using a ruler and markers, create seven horizontal rows on the construction paper. Label the top section "finish line." Cut a strip of different colored construction paper so that it fits into one of the rows. Allow your child to decorate the strip with her name and any other designs or artwork she would like using markers. Cover the pieces of construction paper with clear contact paper for durability. Add a velcro dot to each section of the large sheet and one dot to the name strip. Label each section of the large sheet of paper "10 minutes." For each focused 10 minute interval your child spends on homework, move her name strip closer to the finish line. If an assignment will only take 10 minutes, start the name strip one space away from the finish line. When your child crosses the finish line, offer her a small reward.
Break longer assignments into shorter segments. According to child development specialists, a child's attention span is usually about three to five minutes per year of age. While this may seem like a lot of time to complete a homework assignment, keep in mind that your child has just spent seven to eight hours in school, probably sitting still for most of those hours. When completing homework assignments, set up short, attainable goals for your child to reach. For example, ask him to complete five math problems now and five more after dinner. Or, to complete his spelling assignment before being allowed outdoors, and his reading questions before dinner time.
Turn your child's homework assignment into a game. For example, if your child has 24 math word problems to complete, find four dice and play a game. Roll the dice and whichever number comes up, that is the number math problem that she will complete. Or, use a stopwatch and time her as she writes all of her spelling words. Add one second for each misspelled word. Keep a record of her times and see if she can beat her best time.