Post by misty on Oct 17, 2007 11:22:43 GMT -5
School tips from the ounce of ketchup newsletter.
Most kids spend at least 6 1/2 hours a day in the school classroom. That's a long time for any student, but especially for our distractible kids. Following are some tips that teachers have given us that might help your child(ren) keep focused. Share them with your teacher, or if you are one of the many teachers (God bless you) that subscribe to the newsletter, try them on your class! And parents, lots of these work at home, too.
Move Around - One of our favorite teachers offered her inattentive and/or hyperactive children two places to sit. When they felt themselves zoning out, they could quietly move to another place - usually a table near the side of the room. The renewed perspective often renewed attention.
Sticking Attention with Velcro - One of our readers who teaches elementary school suggested placing a strip of velcro under the desktop. Children who rub their finger over the rough surface are sometimes better able to pay attention.
The Main Squeeze - Giving kids a squeeze ball, a bit of playdough, a chenille wire or another sensory toy often isn't a distration, but a means to help a child to place focus appropriately.
Chew on This - Chewing gum can help a child attend, according to our pediatrician. (Not a teacher...LOL)
Lights and Sounds - One teacher recommended blinking the lights, and another ringing a bell at varied intervals, to get students back on track.
Pats on the Back - Joe's teachers found that simply patting him on the back would bring him back around. (Plus, a pat on the back is like a hug to many kids!)
Countdown - When a longer assignment has been given, telling children how much time remains may jolt them into a spurt of effort. "Ten more minutes. You should be almost halfway finished."
Bungee Thumping - Tie a bungee cord around the legs of chairs to give that little bit of sensory input a child may need.
Pillow Soft - A partially inflated air pillow or one of those really lightweight squishy pillows (what do you call them?!) allows comfortable wiggling without noise.
Stand Up, Lie Down - Our Ash used to stand up at his desks. His teachers found that he was less distracting to others if he did so. Other teachers allow kids to lie on the floor on their stomachs to do seatwork.
www.goaskmom.com/
Most kids spend at least 6 1/2 hours a day in the school classroom. That's a long time for any student, but especially for our distractible kids. Following are some tips that teachers have given us that might help your child(ren) keep focused. Share them with your teacher, or if you are one of the many teachers (God bless you) that subscribe to the newsletter, try them on your class! And parents, lots of these work at home, too.
Move Around - One of our favorite teachers offered her inattentive and/or hyperactive children two places to sit. When they felt themselves zoning out, they could quietly move to another place - usually a table near the side of the room. The renewed perspective often renewed attention.
Sticking Attention with Velcro - One of our readers who teaches elementary school suggested placing a strip of velcro under the desktop. Children who rub their finger over the rough surface are sometimes better able to pay attention.
The Main Squeeze - Giving kids a squeeze ball, a bit of playdough, a chenille wire or another sensory toy often isn't a distration, but a means to help a child to place focus appropriately.
Chew on This - Chewing gum can help a child attend, according to our pediatrician. (Not a teacher...LOL)
Lights and Sounds - One teacher recommended blinking the lights, and another ringing a bell at varied intervals, to get students back on track.
Pats on the Back - Joe's teachers found that simply patting him on the back would bring him back around. (Plus, a pat on the back is like a hug to many kids!)
Countdown - When a longer assignment has been given, telling children how much time remains may jolt them into a spurt of effort. "Ten more minutes. You should be almost halfway finished."
Bungee Thumping - Tie a bungee cord around the legs of chairs to give that little bit of sensory input a child may need.
Pillow Soft - A partially inflated air pillow or one of those really lightweight squishy pillows (what do you call them?!) allows comfortable wiggling without noise.
Stand Up, Lie Down - Our Ash used to stand up at his desks. His teachers found that he was less distracting to others if he did so. Other teachers allow kids to lie on the floor on their stomachs to do seatwork.
www.goaskmom.com/
