- Buddy System.
Study buddies or lab partners can help copy assignments, transcribe oral answers or read directions aloud to help clarify directions.
2. Talk it out.
Consider allowing oral responses for class work and/or during tests. |
4. Change up your tests.
If you know a kid has a really hard time concentrating at the end of the day, but an exam is scheduled for last period, try testing the student in the morning instead. If a large classroom full of students is too distracting, let the student sit at a study carrel in your classroom or take the exam in a different room altogether.
Teach to song.
When you put a tune to important information, it often makes it easier for kids to remember. You can make up your own songs or use some that have already been written—like these math music videos about everything from skip counting to geometry. I PERSONALLY LOVE THIS!!!
6. Use memory tricks.
There are the classic mnemonic devices—like “ROY G BIV” to remember the colors of the rainbow or “Please excuse my dear Aunt Sally” to recall the order of operations when solving an equation.
7. Get out your highlighter.
Highlight, italicize or bold key words or phrases in textbooks, homework, study guides and tests to help kids hone in on the most important information. Eventually, kids may be able to highlight the text themselves before they start an assignment or exam.
8. Graph paper isn’t just for graphing.
Lots of kids have trouble keeping numbers aligned when solving math problems. Try showing them how to use graph paper to organize and align the numbers in the correct columns.9. Make a list.
It can be daunting to do assignments that require multiple steps. Help put things into perspective by numbering the steps in a task and writing them on a piece of paper students can keep at their desks. When students cross off completed items from the list, it helps keep them on-track and also provides a sense of accomplishment.
10. Bounce your wiggles out.
Some students actually have trouble concentrating if they’re required to sit still in a chair. For those kids, try letting them stand up while they’re working. If you have access to a T-stool or a balance ball, it can be used to help kids get their wiggles out and get their work done.
11. Take a brain break.
Sometimes kids need to put academics aside for a few minutes of physical activity to get back on track with their work. Try doing some simple yoga or stretching exercises.
12. Use audiobooks.
If you have struggling readers, audiobooks are an invaluable tool to help them find their love of reading and stay engaged. Even if your school doesn’t have a subscription to an audiobook website, there are some great free options like Zing!
13. Set up a “cool-down” station.
Designate a safe place where students can go to “cool down” or “regroup” when they become frustrated. This could be a comfortable chair or a desk that’s away from the group. You can also make a “cool-down box” with things like puzzles, Silly Putty or other fidget toys to help kids de-stress.
14. Write in color.
Provide different kinds and colors of paper when students are writing or taking notes. Different color pens are also helpful for organizing thoughts when writing (e.g., red for main idea, green for details). |
15. Stay close.
If you have a student who has a hard time following directions, try standing next to him or her when you’re giving directions. Sometimes just being in close proximity helps the student better absorb the information.
16. Make up your own sign language.
You can avoid stopping your lesson and singling out students who need attention by coming up with pre-arranged non-verbal signals or cues. For example, if a student needs to leave the room or has to cool off, the signal could be to raise two fingers.
17. Include fewer questions per page.
Some students get overwhelmed and have difficulty concentrating when there are too many questions or problems on a worksheet. Try putting only a few on each page to help them stay focused and complete the assignment.
18. Minimize noise.
Let kids wear noise-canceling headphones or earplugs while they’re completing independent work. Some kids may even benefit from listening to classical music. You can also seat students in low-traffic areas of the classroom, so there are fewer distractions when they’re trying to get their work done.
19. Make flash cards.
Flash cards aren’t only helpful for learning math facts. You can also use them for subjects like science and social studies. If you’re teaching a concept like the lifecycle of a butterfly, try including graphics on each card to give kids an additional visual cue. |
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reaching beyond the blackboard 