Quote of the Week

Never say you are "just" a teacher. That's like saying Clark Kent is "just" Superman.

Monday, April 18, 2016

Focus…….Squirrel! Reaching Those That Struggle With Focus, By Daniell Bennett, Instructional Coach, W.A. Wright Elementary

Well the year is almost through.  I am sure that you have learned a lot throughout this year.  Sometimes we learn through the challenges, sometimes we learn through trial and error, and sometimes we learn through successes. One of the challenges every teacher faces sooner or later is how to work with those students who learn differently.  You know who they are, the ones with attention problems, those who can’t or won’t sit still, those that have meltdowns.  There are more and more children that need a little extra to make learning easier.  The following are a few tips to help better engage all students:
  • If a child is distracted, seat them away from major distractions such as windows and doors.  Seat them in the front, unless they distract others.
  • Give instructions one at a time, write the directions on the board, so they can refer back to them.
  • Have visuals and manipulatives whenever possible.
  • Give fill in the blank notes to cut down on the amount of writing they must do.
  • Cut the front cover of a file folder into three sections, slip the worksheet inside, have them open one flap at a time so the worksheet is not so overwhelming.
  • Color code file folders for the student, and hold the student accountable for organizing.
  • Have a signal to keep students focused during a lesson.
  • Use a timer to help them complete lessons on time.
  • Chunk your lessons into mini lessons, and allow movement in between the lessons.
  • Small grouping and rotating the small groups are good for these students.
  • Have clear rules and expectations.
  • Allow fidget toys if needed.  If these are a distraction, placing a piece of velcro under the top of the desk will achieve the same goal.
  • If a student taps their pencil, put a mouse pad on their desk for them to tap on, in order not to disturb others.
  • If they tap their feet, attach a bungee cord across the front of their desk near the floor. This will allow them to bounce their feet without disturbing others.
These are only a few suggestions.  There are many other ways to help children focus on their instruction.  Using these strategies will allow everyone to be much happier and more engaged in your classroom.
Resources:

HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Teaching Students with ADD / ADHD: Tips for Teachers to Help Students Succeed at School. Retrieved from http://www.helpguide.org/articles/add-adhd/teaching-students-with-adhd-attention-deficit-disorder.htm

2 comments:

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  2. Starting to use my standing desk really helped, another game-changing move was when I found Ink for all http://bit.ly/2DWi1K9

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