Focus & Attention Problems
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By second grade, you can reasonably expect students to maintain attention for 20-30 minute stretches of time, even for topics they don’t like. The most common signs that students age 8+ might have attention problems:
Often fidgety, calls out, or disruptive
Frequently stares off into space or struggles to follow along in conversations or group discussions
Seems forgetful or often doesn’t remember
Attentive for long periods of time for activities they enjoy (video games, sports, a good book) but struggles to focus for short periods on topics they find less interesting
Inconsistent performance or scattered errors on assignments despite good understanding
understand attention
-
Be cautious! Do not assume attention difficulties when you see a struggling student. Attention difficulties are commonly confused with other learning or emotional challenges, including:
Given that many of the observable signs overlap, an objective screener or evaluation is always the best way to avoid misidentification and ensure you’re supporting your student in the way they will benefit most.
identify attention problems
-
In short, students who are not paying attention are not learning. Unaddressed attention difficulties often lead to gaps in knowledge and declining performance, even among the brightest students. These strategies are a great starting point to help students who struggle with attention.
Sit students away from distractions like the window or door. Ideally sit near the front of the room where a teacher can support them
Incorporate stretch breaks breaks every 20 minutes
Provide an organized desk space so they have everything they need readily accessible
Develop self-awareness of when they lose focus so they learn to get themselves back on track
Help them develop an achievable homework routines that enable them to be successful
Show empathy! Understand that these kiddos are likely trying hard to sit still and stay focused but it’s not easy for them.
Keep in mind, if your student does have an attention problem they are likely to need more structured, individualized supports over time. Early identification and support is always best.
get personalized attention strategies
Homework Struggles
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While every student resists doing homework on occasion, getting a kid to finish homework really shouldn’t be a daily struggle. Here are the signs that a student might need some additional support to address homework problems:
Often hands in sloppy or unfinished homework
Resists sitting down to start homework
Has difficulty getting started on assignments/Asks for help immediately
Falls asleep during homework
Gets up frequently to take bathroom breaks, sharpen a pencil, find a pen
Takes significantly longer than the recommended time for homework
Cries or complains often about homework
Often says they never learned the information in class or the teacher never told them
understand homework struggles
-
The reasons for homework struggles can vary widely, so it might take multiple conversations among teachers, parents and the student to fully understand homework problems, particularly if a student does not seem to be struggling while at school. Here are some of the most common reasons for homework challenges:
Too tired at the end of a long day of activities
Lack of structured routine
Poor organization & time management skills
Subject-specific learning difficulties
get homework strategies
-
Parents and teachers can work together to provide homework support. Teachers can help students leave school with the books they need and clarity on their assignments. Parents can ensure students follow-through when they get home. Getting students on the right track can (and might need to) be a team effort.
Create a daily checklist or planner students check off as they pack up their backpack at the end of the day.
Have a homework schedule with the estimated amount of time to be spent by assignment.
Provide an organized desk space and ensure students turn off all distractions like television or cell phones.
Using proven-effective study strategies such as retrieval practice, rather than re-reading their notes.
Ensure students get a good night sleep
Poor homework habits can be hard to break. Helping students learn to manage the demands of homework while at home will be important for them to be successful in college and in life.
get personalized homework strategies
Listening & Following Directions
-
By second grade, students should be able to listen and follow directions without constant reminders. These are the most common signs that students might be struggling to follow directions.
Follows single step instructions but struggles with two or more steps without help
Consistently misses steps in written or verbal instructions
Usually needs help getting started after instructions are given
Gets frustrated when asked to follow instructions independently
Struggles to follow along or understand class discussions
Has difficulty understanding during read alouds or circle time
understand listening problems
-
It’s important to pinpoint why your student is struggling, as listening & following directions are multi-faceted skills. Listening difficulties can have their roots in one or several areas. The most common reasons students struggle to listen or follow directions:
Hearing problems. Check-in with your pediatrician or school nurse
Attention or executive functions struggles
Reading or comprehension challenges
Too tired to listen/insufficient sleep
identify listening challenges
-
Since most teaching is done via lecture, and directions are usually given verbally, children with trouble listening and following directions often struggle. They may also underperform on tests because they do not follow the instructions correctly.
These strategies won’t solve the listening challenges, they can help students succeed while you are addressing the underlying cause:
Provide verbal and written instructions to make sure they can follow along and reference as needed.
Give information in chunks, rather than giving information all at once.
Have students sit closer to the front of the room so you can spot check regularly for understanding.
get personalized strategies
Organization & Time Management
-
By middle school, students should be capable of basic time management and organizational skills. Even the brightest students will struggle in school without good organizational skills. Here are signs that your student might be struggling more than most teens.
Understands the material but hands in incomplete or late assignments
Often the last to finish in-class assignments
Often asks for extensions or says homework takes too long
Very messy locker or desk
Often can’t find things when he needs them
Often late or unprepared for class
Struggles more than most to complete long-term projects
Doesn’t do “fair share” in group assignments
understand organization skills
-
The reasons for poor organization can vary widely, so it might take multiple conversations among teachers, parents and the student to fully understand how to help. Here are some of the most common reasons for organization and time management struggles:
Feels anxious or overwhelmed and then gets “paralyzed”
An objective screener or consultation is always the best way to be certain to understand why the student is struggling and how to best help.
understand organization challenges
-
Even the brightest students who struggle with organization skills might not live up to their full potential. These strategies can result in spending less time on homework, less stress, and better grades.
Provide clear expectations on assignments and check in to be sure they are understood
Teach basic time management
Help them organize their lockers or homework space
Show them how to plan for longer projects.
Be patient. Provide gentle reminders and encouragement, especially if you know they are trying their best.
get personalized strategies
Read the
research about...
Focus & Attention Problems
Read the
research about...
Listening & Following Directions
Read the
research about...
Organization & Time Management
Focus & Attention Problems
Signs of Attention Problems
By second grade, you can reasonably expect students to maintain attention for 20-30 minute stretches of time, even for topics they don’t like. The most common signs that students age 8+ might have attention problems:
Often fidgety, calls out, or disruptive
Frequently stares off into space or struggles to follow along in conversations or group discussions
Seems forgetful or often doesn’t remember
Attentive for long periods of time for activities they enjoy (video games, sports, a good book) but struggles to focus for short periods on topics they find less interesting
Inconsistent performance or scattered errors on assignments despite good understanding
understand attention Attention or Other Learning Issues
Be cautious! Do not assume attention difficulties when you see a struggling student. Attention difficulties are commonly confused with other learning or emotional challenges, including:
Given that many of the observable signs overlap, an objective screener or evaluation is always the best way to avoid misidentification and ensure you’re supporting your student in the way they will benefit most.
identify attention problems Attention Strategies
In short, students who are not paying attention are not learning. Unaddressed attention difficulties often lead to gaps in knowledge and declining performance, even among the brightest students. These strategies are a great starting point to help students who struggle with attention.
Sit students away from distractions like the window or door. Ideally sit near the front of the room where a teacher can support them
Incorporate stretch breaks breaks every 20 minutes
Provide an organized desk space so they have everything they need readily accessible
Develop self-awareness of when they lose focus so they learn to get themselves back on track
Help them develop an achievable homework routines that enable them to be successful
Show empathy! Understand that these kiddos are likely trying hard to sit still and stay focused but it’s not easy for them.
Keep in mind, if your student does have an attention problem they are likely to need more structured, individualized supports over time. Early identification and support is always best.
get personalized attention strategies Homework Struggles
Signs of Homework Struggles
While every student resists doing homework on occasion, getting a kid to finish homework really shouldn’t be a daily struggle. Here are the signs that a student might need some additional support to address homework problems:
Often hands in sloppy or unfinished homework
Resists sitting down to start homework
Has difficulty getting started on assignments/Asks for help immediately
Falls asleep during homework
Gets up frequently to take bathroom breaks, sharpen a pencil, find a pen
Takes significantly longer than the recommended time for homework
Cries or complains often about homework
Often says they never learned the information in class or the teacher never told them
understand homework struggles Reasons for Homework Struggles
The reasons for homework struggles can vary widely, so it might take multiple conversations among teachers, parents and the student to fully understand homework problems, particularly if a student does not seem to be struggling while at school. Here are some of the most common reasons for homework challenges:
Too tired at the end of a long day of activities
Lack of structured routine
Poor organization & time management skills
Subject-specific learning difficulties
get homework strategies Homework Strategies
Parents and teachers can work together to provide homework support. Teachers can help students leave school with the books they need and clarity on their assignments. Parents can ensure students follow-through when they get home. Getting students on the right track can (and might need to) be a team effort.
Create a daily checklist or planner students check off as they pack up their backpack at the end of the day.
Have a homework schedule with the estimated amount of time to be spent by assignment.
Provide an organized desk space and ensure students turn off all distractions like television or cell phones.
Using proven-effective study strategies such as retrieval practice, rather than re-reading their notes.
Ensure students get a good night sleep
Poor homework habits can be hard to break. Helping students learn to manage the demands of homework while at home will be important for them to be successful in college and in life.
get personalized homework strategies Listening & Following Directions
Listening & Following Directions Concerns
By second grade, students should be able to listen and follow directions without constant reminders. These are the most common signs that students might be struggling to follow directions.
Follows single step instructions but struggles with two or more steps without help
Consistently misses steps in written or verbal instructions
Usually needs help getting started after instructions are given
Gets frustrated when asked to follow instructions independently
Struggles to follow along or understand class discussions
Has difficulty understanding during read alouds or circle time
understand listening problems Is it a listening issue?
It’s important to pinpoint why your student is struggling, as listening & following directions are multi-faceted skills. Listening difficulties can have their roots in one or several areas. The most common reasons students struggle to listen or follow directions:
Hearing problems. Check-in with your pediatrician or school nurse
Attention or executive functions struggles
Reading or comprehension challenges
Too tired to listen/insufficient sleep
identify listening challenges Strategies for Listening & Following Directions
Since most teaching is done via lecture, and directions are usually given verbally, children with trouble listening and following directions often struggle. They may also underperform on tests because they do not follow the instructions correctly.
These strategies won’t solve the listening challenges, they can help students succeed while you are addressing the underlying cause:
Provide verbal and written instructions to make sure they can follow along and reference as needed.
Give information in chunks, rather than giving information all at once.
Have students sit closer to the front of the room so you can spot check regularly for understanding.
get personalized strategies Organization & Time Management
Organization & Time Management Challenges
By middle school, students should be capable of basic time management and organizational skills. Even the brightest students will struggle in school without good organizational skills. Here are signs that your student might be struggling more than most teens.
Understands the material but hands in incomplete or late assignments
Often the last to finish in-class assignments
Often asks for extensions or says homework takes too long
Very messy locker or desk
Often can’t find things when he needs them
Often late or unprepared for class
Struggles more than most to complete long-term projects
Doesn’t do “fair share” in group assignments
understand organization skills Organization Strategies
The reasons for poor organization can vary widely, so it might take multiple conversations among teachers, parents and the student to fully understand how to help. Here are some of the most common reasons for organization and time management struggles:
Feels anxious or overwhelmed and then gets “paralyzed”
An objective screener or consultation is always the best way to be certain to understand why the student is struggling and how to best help.
understand organization challenges Organization & Time Management Strategies
Even the brightest students who struggle with organization skills might not live up to their full potential. These strategies can result in spending less time on homework, less stress, and better grades.
Provide clear expectations on assignments and check in to be sure they are understood
Teach basic time management
Help them organize their lockers or homework space
Show them how to plan for longer projects.
Be patient. Provide gentle reminders and encouragement, especially if you know they are trying their best.
get personalized strategies Read the
research about...
Focus & Attention Problems
-
HOW LIVING IN POVERTY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The stress of living in poverty can have long-term impact on children’s brain development, most particularly executive functions, without intervention. Please contact Mindprint if you'd like to learn more about how we can help you identify which ... View Article
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9 ways parents can empower a child who has learning issues
This excellent Washington Post article by Phyllis Fagell helps parents understand what they need to do when they notice a change in their child's academic or school behavior. The author does an excellent job providing solutions ... View Article
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Executive Functions
This lengthy research article goes into details on the different sub-categories of executive functions, how they are measured, and how deficits in these skills can affect learning, behavior and life skills. Table 1 provides research ... View Article
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Half of All Kids with ADHD Have a Learning Disability or Related Condition
ADDitude Magazine identifies learning disabilities that might overlap with ADHD and the potential confusing characteristics. View Article
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Is Social Media Giving Our Kids ADHD?
This Mindprint blog explains why more students might be showing ADHD symptoms as a result of too much technology use. View Article
Read the
research about...
Homework Struggles
-
HOW LIVING IN POVERTY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The stress of living in poverty can have long-term impact on children’s brain development, most particularly executive functions, without intervention. Please contact Mindprint if you'd like to learn more about how we can help you identify which ... View Article
-
9 ways parents can empower a child who has learning issues
This excellent Washington Post article by Phyllis Fagell helps parents understand what they need to do when they notice a change in their child's academic or school behavior. The author does an excellent job providing solutions ... View Article
-
Executive Functions
This lengthy research article goes into details on the different sub-categories of executive functions, how they are measured, and how deficits in these skills can affect learning, behavior and life skills. Table 1 provides research ... View Article
-
Half of All Kids with ADHD Have a Learning Disability or Related Condition
ADDitude Magazine identifies learning disabilities that might overlap with ADHD and the potential confusing characteristics. View Article
-
Is Social Media Giving Our Kids ADHD?
This Mindprint blog explains why more students might be showing ADHD symptoms as a result of too much technology use. View Article
Read the
research about...
Listening & Following Directions
-
HOW LIVING IN POVERTY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The stress of living in poverty can have long-term impact on children’s brain development, most particularly executive functions, without intervention. Please contact Mindprint if you'd like to learn more about how we can help you identify which ... View Article
-
9 ways parents can empower a child who has learning issues
This excellent Washington Post article by Phyllis Fagell helps parents understand what they need to do when they notice a change in their child's academic or school behavior. The author does an excellent job providing solutions ... View Article
-
Executive Functions
This lengthy research article goes into details on the different sub-categories of executive functions, how they are measured, and how deficits in these skills can affect learning, behavior and life skills. Table 1 provides research ... View Article
-
Half of All Kids with ADHD Have a Learning Disability or Related Condition
ADDitude Magazine identifies learning disabilities that might overlap with ADHD and the potential confusing characteristics. View Article
-
Is Social Media Giving Our Kids ADHD?
This Mindprint blog explains why more students might be showing ADHD symptoms as a result of too much technology use. View Article
Read the
research about...
Organization & Time Management
-
HOW LIVING IN POVERTY AFFECTS CHILDREN’S BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
The stress of living in poverty can have long-term impact on children’s brain development, most particularly executive functions, without intervention. Please contact Mindprint if you'd like to learn more about how we can help you identify which ... View Article
-
9 ways parents can empower a child who has learning issues
This excellent Washington Post article by Phyllis Fagell helps parents understand what they need to do when they notice a change in their child's academic or school behavior. The author does an excellent job providing solutions ... View Article
-
Executive Functions
This lengthy research article goes into details on the different sub-categories of executive functions, how they are measured, and how deficits in these skills can affect learning, behavior and life skills. Table 1 provides research ... View Article
-
Half of All Kids with ADHD Have a Learning Disability or Related Condition
ADDitude Magazine identifies learning disabilities that might overlap with ADHD and the potential confusing characteristics. View Article
-
Is Social Media Giving Our Kids ADHD?
This Mindprint blog explains why more students might be showing ADHD symptoms as a result of too much technology use. View Article
-
Academic Skills
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Under- performers
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Executive Functions
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Social-Emotional