My son is in the 4th grade and he has always been a little behind from the other in his class. He has such a hard time staying on task and focusing. It has been hurting him for the last 2 years. Really good doctors are seeing him. He is on Strattera and Adderall XR. Can any one please help me with some suggestion? Also! What kind of accommodations do you have listed as for focusing and staying on task on you IEP? I do not know what else to do he is falling behind and starting to hate school, he is only in the 4th grade. You can also email us at [email protected]
Hello- I am sorry to hear that your son is starting to hate school. I don’t blame him- if I was falling behind I’d hate it too!
Have you talked to his teachers? Do they offer any suggestions that have worked with previous students?
Does he receive any services?
I work at a private school for students with LD and ADHD. Some of the teaching strategies that we use and accomodations/modifications that we include on our student’s IEPs are:
- Separate work area when needed for tests and assignments
- instruction in a small group setting
- extended time on tests and assignments
- breaking down assignments into smaller parts
- providing small breaks in between periods that need attention
- preferential seating (near the teacher/front of room)
- attentional cues (teacher and student will privately develop a cue (could be tapping on desk or shoulder) to let student know that he needs to refocus
- reducing amount of “stuff” posted on walls
Another suggestion that could help academically is tutoring. Being able to work one on one with a tutor could help your son catch up on his academics. When he understands what is going on in the classroom, he might be able to better engage in the lesson.
First of all though, I’d speak with the teachers to brainstorm. Also be very open to home/school collaboration. Hope this helps!
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