Techniques for handling children with low attention span
[1] Have a
checklist of mini-tasks that needs to be completed
Having small
bite-sized mini task instead of an entire unit of work proves to give the child
a greater sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. This spurs the child on and
provides the child the impression that he is doing very well. It promotes
confidence on a certain topic or a similar style of question that the child
does not do well initially.
[2] Time him!
Setting achievable
targets within a specified time frame helps the child to focus better at the
task. If he is motivated by a sense of achievement, he will attempt to shorten
the time frame to impress you the next time.
[3] Practice,
practice and more practice till it becomes a habit
In order for the
child to master a certain question or topic, practicing on a regular basis is
more beneficial than 100 similar questions at a sitting. Divide the questions
into mouthfuls of 10. So that the child feels that its manageable. You can
always shorten the time given or provide 20 questions in the same time frame. Doing
this daily makes it regular practice.
Everything we do
well now is done through practice. We
finish our assignments and jobs on time because we are trained to do so. In
reality, the child will only master a very simple good habit (like, brushing
his teeth twice a day) after the mum nags and insists that he does so for a
couple of years (just about from 2 till 4) J. Every habit is learned, before it ever
becomes a habit.
[4] Understanding
the child’s learning style
Using things that
the child enjoys, teach him the stuff that he doesn’t understand. From building
ramps, we can teach relationship between gradient and velocity; if the child
adores Monopoly (like my #2), then use it to teach counting (1 – 1
correspondence). If the child has problems reading, play SNAP, memory games,
word games or scrabble. In every situation, there is a learning opportunity. It
depends on the adult to see that opportunity and steer it in the right
direction.
[5] Accepting your
child
Truth be told, my
kid is not smartest on the block. He’s not even close to being best, but he is
my kid and there are always stuff he’s really good at and some that is far from
being his forte. Accepting them is not equivalent to condoning them. It’s akin
to understanding your personal weakness and asking yourself what you can do to
‘neutralize’ the effects of your undesirable trait. In a similar fashion,
understanding what your child is weak at means you can invent an ingenious
strategy to counter its effects. J I’m sure the journey to finding the most suitable strategy will be laid
with pits and twigs, ensuring that falls will be painful. Take heart that every
parent who is with a child goes through that same pain, some more, some less,
but you are never alone.
[6] Discovering the
child’s favourite reward
Haha, and we are
here!! Every child likes reward is a different way, just as one woman prefers a
handbag whilst another prefers a meal or even cash! You will have to discover
your child’s preference. Using his unique and preferred reward, entice him.
Make him feel that it’s all worth it!
