Attention Span Issues

Below is a tip that arose when a tutor asked how to help a learner who gets distracted easily.

From: Melanie Ulland
Sent: Monday, December 11, 2006 5:07 PM

My learner has had difficulty with phonics (especially consonant blends and short vowel sounds). She is excited about using Lexia SOS so we have scheduled to use the software on Wed at the Alicia Ashman Library. We also have 2 meeting days scheduled for next week.

Do you have suggestions for working with someone with ADHD?
P___ admits that she finds it very difficult to sit still long enough to read a book or watch a movie. I will try to keep the explanations I give her short and to the point because I can tell she starts to fidget if I talk for more than a couple minutes.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,
Melanie Hamilton Ulland

Melanie:
Thanks for the news and questions. I have a few suggestions for you.
Here's one: if possible, meet twice during the week for a shorter period, perhaps 50 - 65 minutes at most. When you're together, keep several things available for her to do. These include some of the things I mention below, with some links for you to see them at your own convenience.

• Manipulatives. Try Scrabble tiles, kitchen magnet letters or foam letters. Many tutors get them at the Dollar Store--for a dollar! You always want to think multi-sensory, so having something to move around keeps the hands busy and helps her learn in a different way, appealing to the kinaesthetic sense.
  
• Whiteboard. Bring a small whiteboard so she always has something to write on. Write as large as you like and then some.
  
• Computer. Good idea that you're considering the Lexia S.O.S. program at Alicia Ashman. Also look into using the internet and some of the sites referenced at our new website .
• Sing. If you go to the website for PBS Kids, you'll hear some really fun stuff that helps a person remember the rules for reading and spelling.
  
• Take breaks. After 20 or 30 minutes, take a scheduled break and have a cookie with some milk.
  

Now you also mentioned problems with blending and short vowel sounds. For a website with helpful tips on those issues, click here.
What it all comes down to is that you can plan your lessons with productive short activities that keep her engaged. I heard your concern that you don't want ADHD to take you on a ride, so to speak, away from your planned lesson. Hope this all helps.
Brian