How can I get my children back into being enthusiastic about school, homework, reading etc

[Blossomhill]

Since September I am finding it so hard to motivate my children dd (6 with sn) and ds 8.
Just finding it is getting almost impossible to get them to do homework, reading etc without it being a battle. I can understand in a way as it's the last thing they want to do when just out of school.
I do read with them at least 3 times a week but felt quite when dd came out of school with a sticker that said "please read with me at home tonight".
As dd has sn it does make it harder but any tips to motivate them appreciated.
Thanks :)

There is internal and external motivation. If the internal is lacking from them then perhaps you could offer incentives for reading/doing homework - maybe stickers or chart to work towards a reward (new book?)

You also need to be a good role model - do you read while the children are around so that they see you enjoying it and valuing it? Read to them in an enthusiastic way? Enthuse about stories/books? Maybe they might enjoy non-fiction better?

Just a few ideas .....

If you have the cash than a trip to a bookshop might help. Books chosen for kids are quite different to the ones they would choose for themselves. And of course even if by chance they choose the same book, they will still prefer it :)
Also if there is a large library nearby that's nearly as good.
My view is that as long as they are reading something, I'm pretty relaxed about the content. I find school books a bit "worthy". Film/TV tie ins are good, even at 2yo DS can recognise numbers and letters associated with Thunderbirds, which he lurrrves. At 6-8 yo should be up to reading Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and it wouldn't hurt at all to let them watch the DVD before reading the books.The Wizard of Oz is actually one of a series of books, as is Mary Poppins. 8 yo DS is up to reading early Terry Pratchett, and there's videos of some of these as well.

Should make it more cool. If birthdays coming, matched DVD/film sets can be good.

We also use instant messaging (like google talk) as a special treat where they can chat with us; composing and reading sentences.