next »

[sjanowski]

I work with a child who, although not classified as ADD/ADHD, has a very hard time focusing on her work and will go completely off topic.  Any ideas on how I can help her build up her attention span?

[yaichenbaum]

Try using a disc o'sit that is discussed in this forum.

[jbflyskts]

To help a child like this focus.  There are two behaviors you could focus on in small time increments, either by time or subject.  I am attaching a few charts as examples, use them or make your own with excel and clip art.
1)always positively state the behavior you want to enforce
ex.  Avi will raise his hand to contribute to the lesson by asking a question or answering one
ex. Avi will stay on task during each lesson or time period
2)think of an antecedent that will set the stage for that behavior to occur
ex. Where is the child sitting in the class?  A child with attentional difficulties should be seated proximate to the teacher and with near classmates who do not have the same difficulites.
Only asknowledge when the child does stay on task or contribute, do not penalize or give negative reinforcement when they do not.
ex. Does the child need modifications?  Do not give open ended tasks and assignments.  If everyone is writing about what  Tikun Olam means to them, ask the child with attentional difficulties to write certain number of sentances.  Projects should be broken down as much as possible. 
Most children with ADD/ADHD tend to also have trouble with working memory and executive function.
Reward the child for getting a certain number (percentage of yes for each time period or lessons that day.  Rewards can come in the form of praise, a certificate of accomplishment to take home to parents, or some sort of choice when then the situation permits.  Think of a list of positive consquences and rewards.
If you follow do this consistently, you will be rewarded with a bright engaged student!

[jbflyskts]

To help a child like this focus.  There are two behaviors you could focus on in small time increments, either by time or subject.  I am attaching a few charts as examples, use them or make your own with excel and clip art.
1)always positively state the behavior you want to enforce
ex.  Avi will raise his hand to contribute to the lesson by asking a question or answering one
ex. Avi will stay on task during each lesson or time period
2)think of an antecedent that will set the stage for that behavior to occur
ex. Where is the child sitting in the class?  A child with attentional difficulties should be seated proximate to the teacher and with near classmates who do not have the same difficulites.
Only asknowledge when the child does stay on task or contribute, do not penalize or give negative reinforcement when they do not.
ex. Does the child need modifications?  Do not give open ended tasks and assignments.  If everyone is writing about what  Tikun Olam means to them, ask the child with attentional difficulties to write certain number of sentances.  Projects should be broken down as much as possible. 
Most children with ADD/ADHD tend to also have trouble with working memory and executive function.
Reward the child for getting a certain number (percentage of yes for each time period or lessons that day.  Rewards can come in the form of praise, a certificate of accomplishment to take home to parents, or some sort of choice when then the situation permits.  Think of a list of positive consquences and rewards.
If you follow do this consistently, you will be rewarded with a bright engaged student!