Case
Hyperactive and Social Student

John is a student in a fourth grade classroom who just can't seem to pay attention in class for long spans of time. You know that from observing him work he is a bright student but he is always trying to circumvent having to do classwork by socializing or vying for your attention. What are some ways that you could help him to focus more in a positive way?

Posted on: 10/04/15 | Views: 944
Solution #1
Create a behavior plan that rewards the student with having time to socialize as long as his homework is finished.

A behavior plan is key and a great suggestion.

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Solution #2
You can allow him to have breaks scheduled into his day where he can get up and move around. Maybe try to use a behavior chart with him on his desk, he can get a sticker for each part of the day if he can stay on task and pay attention. If he is able to behave all day he can get something from the treasure box. As he gets better you can scale it back so that if he is good all week he can get something on Fridays or receive extra free time. Although, he also could need more of a challenge because the work might be a bit too easy for him to do.

This is the best solution. It is hard for some to pay attention for long periods of time. Breaks are very helpful.

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Solution #3
Try to make short term goals for John and when he completes them he gets a reward. This will allow him to focus on one thing at a time and not to be overwhelmed with the amount of work ahead of him for the day. His reward system could be something as simple as a sticker chart and once he earns a certain amount of stickers for the day he earns something in return. This will motivate John to complete his work and tasks at hand.

I agree with the goals and would use this in the classroom.

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Solution #4
Try to incorporate more cooperative group work and physically active activities into the classroom. This will allow the student to express his social and hyperactive impulses in a more positive way.
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Solution #5
Find things for him to do on his interest level. Use preferential seating during individual work. Work one on one with him when possible and reward good behavior. It is very difficult for some children to sit flat in their desk when completing work. They think best while moving around. This may need to be an accommodation you make for him.
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Solution #6
I would think about talking to the parents and counsler about testing John for ADD. I would also have the class be engaged a little more. Seating John in the front of the classroom where you can give him more non verbal cues to help him pay attention could also help.
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Solution #7
A friend of mine uses what she calls "alternative seating" her classroom. For her kindergarten class, this meant not having chairs at all, and the student sitting on the floor at their table, so they could sit comfortably and rearrange themselves as needed. For her current class, is means medicine balls. This allows the students to move about and get energy out without disrupting anyone else. She has told me numerous times she has noticed a significant improvement in focus of her students since implementing alternative seating.
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Solution #8
Yes sit with him and design a behavior plan. This will be good and set goals for him.

I do not think this is the best solution. I think you should meet with a counselor and parents first and then see where you could create an IEP.

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Solution #9
I would try seating him next to students who are not as talkative. I would also give him praise whenever he is on task which may help motivate him.
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Solution #10
The teacher might try and make the lessons stimulating and exciting for John. Experiment with ideas and methods that work well for him and are engaging. Rather than teaching the lessons the same way and going through a similar routine repeatedly the teacher should mix it up by implementing games, or interactive activities.
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Solution #11
In my opinion, it seems that John could very much benefit from group work, and activities where he is collaborating with his peers.

The only issue that may come about from group work is John may fail to pull his equal share in contributing to the group. John needs a very specific job and reminders to stay focus in group work or he could trail off rather quickly.

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