Thursday, February 16, 2012
Distractability
I have been sitting through many new evaluation planning meetings and feedback meetings and there seems to be a common theme that has been occurring more now than in years past. Many students are struggling with staying on task and being easily distracted. Is it due to more stimulation at home with video games, computers and TV? Whatever the reasons, it has become a much bigger problem and I am trying to figure out how to help students try to stay focused on their work. If it is not ADHD, what is causing this increased distractability and lack of focus in the classroom?
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For sure this is a common struggle for many of our students (they don't need the "label" to have attention difficulties). I think there are a lot of confounding factors for the source of high distractability; switching from the fast pace/high stimulus of electronics to classroom instruction is probably one of them.
ReplyDeleteThere is a good analysis of the effects of electronics/T.V. on the developing brain at this link:
http://home.datacomm.ch/rezamusic/tv_johnson.html
A journal article just came out that identifies highly researched strategies for effective interventions of attention deficit disorders; I have found that it really addresses applicable strategies that could be implemented in the classroom. I have access to it through the UofM; I will try and get it posted on here somehow.
I'm having a really tough time figuring out how to post this ADHD Intervention article on the blog; Let me know, and I can email it to you! :)
ReplyDeleteI can't help but wonder if we are seeing more attention issues because school has changed. It's really common, now, to hear teachers talk about the fact that Kindergarten is the new 1st grade, 1st grade is the new 2nd grade, etc. We expect a lot more out of kids and don't always give them the chance to act like they are 5, 8, or whatever their age may be. I love seeing kids meet my high expectations, but for kids that struggle with attention, I often find I'm blaming myself. At this age, they should be up and active, exploring through observation and play, etc. Instead, the greatest level of activity they often have within in an hour is coming up to the SMART board.
ReplyDeleteI also am seeing this more and more in the classroom. We have had many conversations about ADHD or similar behaviors during our meetings and grade level time. I am seeing it more in the boys in the classroom. I think that Erin has a good point about school demands and expectations are continuing to increase and more pressure is put on the students. I recently had to step back and take sometime in my classroom and allow those students to take time to wiggle and move around. I have begun taking a song break or stretch break for the students to get up and move during the morning time. It can be a long morning going from read to self and then math. I often forget that these kids are 7-8 years old and need to move. I sometimes just put on music for 5 minutes and allow the children to move to the music. I am hoping that this break will help those kids get up and move so that they can focus during the lessons.
ReplyDeleteInteresting enough, in physical education my students are allowed to move very frequently, but we can still struggle with kids being distracted or off task. The expectation is that they sit still and keep their hands to themselves during instruction. There are two songs we use to get our kids' energy out. Jim gill: "Knuckles Knees" and "Spin Again" There are actions that go with each song. We have all the students spread out in the gym and find their own personal space. The knuckles kness song they follow what he sings. The spin again they stand in place until he sings the chorus. The kids are literally spinning in circles giggling. Little do they know we're using this song as a tool to get them to re-focus whereas they think it's just for fun.
ReplyDeleteI think it is great to incorporate exercises into the classroom or movement activities. A few other suggestions would be a DVD called "Me Moves" and the kids follow the motions and it helps them to focus. Another idea would be exercise balls instead of chairs in your classroom! :)