My 10 yr old son is in the 5th grade. He is doing badly in every subject except for Spelling. Math and Writing are His main problems now. He will start on an assignment and not finish it. He has been known to not start on it at all. He says His imagination is taking off, or He gets distracted and can’t get back on task. He calls it zoning out or going to la la land. I am trying to teach Him how to get back on task after He has been distracted. He is on medication. But, the medication can only do so much. I am in need of some suggestions on how to help Him learn how to stay focused or get back on track. In class, His teachers will try to redirect Him to start on His work. This does not seem to help in all cases. I want to help Him and teach Him to get back on track Himself. Most everyone gets distracted and has to make themselves get back to what they were doing. In a child with ADHD, this is alot harder to do. So, any suggestions on how to teach Him to get refocused?
Dear Jackie,
Just thought I’d mention a couple of things that have worked for my son in his Gr. 3 classroom. I purchased a timer and they use it for on-task work. Giving him shorter times to start and working up to 15 minutes. (they feel this is the longest he could be expected to do) They allow him to get up and get a drink, deliver notes to the principle, stand to do his work, etc. These have all proven to be effective. Also they brought in a library desk/cubicle. (Everyone gets to use it so as not to centre-out anyone) It has sides and a front so it allows concentration. Also an MP3 player that plays ? appropriate music, there are CD with “learning music” on them plays at ? 60 beats/min like heart rate and classical type “background” or relaxation music. With an IEP in place and the assistance of your teacher/principle/EA/Resource you can accomplish this. They might have more ideas.
Julie