Homework and class work question

[nellgirl]

I have twins in my class (grade 5). They are both intelligent, capable and lovely boys. One is a tad pokey, but a diligent worker who can generally complete work during class time. The other is very stubborn and will sit in front of assignments for hours (literally hours) without making a start. This goes for everything, even handwriting, which is relatively 'relaxed'. He is a voracious reader, but if he decides he doesn't want to do something, that's it. Once he starts, he whips through things and does them quite well. I've tried giving him challenge assignments (thinking that maybe he was bored), but that bombed.
This has been an issue for him for several years, but has gotten worse as he's gotten older. He saw a counsellor over the summer, and he told the counsellor that projects are stressful for him. However, the issues arise with all types of assignments. He will sit in front of it as if wishing it would just go away.
My assigned homework is made up entirely of assignments that they have had lots of class time to complete. Most kids have no or little homework aside from home reading.
It's far more important for me that he get the sleep he needs and feel good about himself as a learner. We have tried reducing the number of questions/amount of work expected as well as implementing a time limit (work for 10 mins, do what you can).
Any suggestions?

[katfco]

Do reward systems work for him?

[nellgirl]

Sept 15, 2017 23:00:48 GMT -5 katfco said:

Do reward systems work for him?

I met with his mom today, and she said that nothing motivates him. Getting privileges, having them taken away, building up to a certain toy...

What we decided to try is to limit homework to 30 mins (which it would be if he did any of it in class, but pretty much all of his class work gets sent home because it's not done in class. His twin has no homework most days). Mom understands that incomplete work will result in lower marks, but really, marks are secondary. I don't want him to miss out on sleep or family time. I've asked mom to either have the counsellor get in touch with me or have mom relay what the counsellor suggests.

He's quite a sweet little guy. I hope that we can find a solution.

[taratru]

Yikes. I wonder if he's dealing with anxiety issues, especially coupled with a twin who seems to "get it." Is he getting counseling outside of school? I'd have the school counselor/psych take a look, and until they give you some insight, I'd maybe just tell him that whatever he does in class is good enough - take away the "it becomes homework if you don't finish." Control the environment that you can, if that makes sense?