Case
Lack of focus

I have a student that I work with in the classroom who will often be playing with some object that she has (and needs) such as a pencil and eraser. Or she will want to talk to me about something off topic (TV shows, animals, etc) while the teacher is instructing the class. I have tried telling her to listen because this is an important topic, and even tried saying "We can talk about this after we are done with the work and the teacher is done talking". However, it seems no matter what I do I cannot get her to pay attention. Any suggestions?

Posted on: 04/25/13 | Views: 1077
Solution #1
The student is having a hard time paying attention or on task, speak to her other teachers to see if she is doing similar actions. If so, I would speak to the specialist at the school to see if the student have anything in her records indicating a problem. Start with the RTI process with this student but first conference with the parents to see how the student is responding at home.

I would definitely use this solution. Ruling out any possible actual issues is important.

I would use this solution. I feel that doing your research about students can definitely be beneficial.

This is a great solution and I would definitely use it in the future.

It is always a good idea to consult your coworkers.

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Solution #2
The student may have ADD or something similar. Also, you could try an interest survey to see what interests her, what her learning style is, etc. Then tailor your lessons to make them engaging for her. The fact that she is playing with objects makes me think she could benefit from some other hands on activities as part of your lessons.

This is a good idea, I may try using this in the future.

I really like this solution. I think all students learn differently and hands on may work for this student.

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Solution #3
Clearly communicating expectations could be a good course of action. If this dies not work there are many strategies to keep this student on task. Proximity control, preferential seating, and behavior contracts are good ways to ensure that the teacher is near and the student knows how to act.

I would use this solution and I like the suggestion of moving the student closer to the teacher. I think this would help to solve the problem.

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Solution #4
You can implement a reward system. If the students pays attention for the lesson, then they can be rewarded with the item that they were playing with, like the pencil.
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Solution #5
I would first re-iterate expectations, and then establish a physical/visual cue, to remind the student they need to be paying attention such as a snap of the fingers.
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Solution #6
Maybe she needs a fidget that can keep her hands busy but isn't distracting to her. Also, you could engage in her conversations briefly but then redirect to the lesson. You could also find a way to minimize the distractions around her. Maybe have her desk on an island where she isn't near others to disrupt. Also, you could talk to her parents about the issue and see if they have ideas about the problem.
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Solution #7
The first thing I would try and do, is change up my lesson plan to make sure more questions are being asked and doing things that can help that student engaged. If that not working than maybe ADHD is of concern.

I do not like this solution. If this is a constant issue than changing your lesson plan or diagnosing ADHD is pointless. The students needs to be evaluated before jumping to conclusions.

I do not agree with this solution. I think teachers are too quick to label students and should try various methods of teaching before jumping to any conclusions.

I would not use this solution. I don't think changing the lesson plan will help just this one individual student.

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