Why do some students struggle with being distracted in class more than others?
Bright, capable students can struggle with paying attention in class. If you are reading this post, you have likely had a conversation or two with your child’s teacher about them being distracted or being the distraction in class.
Every child and situation is different. You, as the parent, have the best vantage point for understanding the root cause of your child’s difficulty. However, what you’re seeing might be hard to understand. Many kids who struggle with staying focused are inaccurately labelled trouble-makers.
Wrong conclusions can lead to students losing learning confidence and assuming they just aren’t good at school. Let’s look at a few reasons your child might be distracted in class and how you can help.
Executive Functioning Issues Impact Classroom Learning
If your child struggles to manage assignments or their attention is poor in the classroom, they might have issues with executive functioning.
Executive function skills include the ability to plan and complete tasks. Individuals of any age can struggle with executive function. The abilities to manage time and organize tasks start developing at an early age but sometimes children need extra encouragement in these areas to excel. Weak executive function skills can be a symptom of a learning disability or simply a need for intentional support.
You can start nurturing executive function at an early age. Games that include problem solving can help kids develop strong executive function skills. Implementing structure and routine in your home can help improve these skills as well. Encourage your child to plan out small spans of time with your support. These small steps can create a huge shift in your child’s development.
If you feel that your child is struggling disproportionately with these fundamental skills, there’s outside support to aid them. We offer executive functioning counseling for individuals who need extra resources to nurture these skills. We can work with you to grow your flexibility and working memory.
Weaknesses with executive function skills can lead to students feeling incapable of learning or keeping up with the pace of the class. Executive function counseling can help provide them with tailored learning and studying strategies and improved executive function skills.
An Underlying Learning Disorder
Issues with focusing and attention can be signals of a diagnosed learning disorder. It’s important to recognize these signs. If ignored for too long, your child can fall behind in their learning. This can also lead to their struggles getting worse, causing them to feel helpless in their education.
If you believe they might have a learning disorder such as dyslexia or ADHD that’s affecting their focus, you can have them assessed.
An educational assessment can help provide insight into your child’s strengths and weaknesses and diagnose a learning disorder if one exists. This insight can then point you to the right tools and resources. This might include the need for formal assistance or support.
Shifting the Classroom Dynamic
The dynamic of your child’s classroom could also be affecting their focus. Do they sit next to another student who distracts them? Would they be more attentive if they sat at the front of the class?
Sometimes students cannot see or hear from the back of the classroom. If you think your child is struggling with either of these issues, this could lead to a 504 plan. A 504 plan is a plan set in place to ensure your student is getting the accommodation they need to succeed.
If you think the classroom dynamic is what is hindering your child’s learning, talk to their teachers. Whether it be a simple change or implementation of accommodations, you can start to solve the problem with the educator’s help.
Focus is a multifaceted issue. The root of the problem can be difficult to pinpoint. The sooner you address your child’s lack of focus in class, the sooner you can get them back on track to reaching their personal potential.
Please feel free to reach out.You can contact us on our website, or call us at (661) 255-2688.
