By: Nina Bolar EE620

Improving attention and memory is a battle that many children struggle with on a daily basis. It affects things like: Performing activities Remembering individuals names And participating in a conversation

ADHD-(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) Some students are diagnosed with ADHD, but attention and memory problems can occur in many children regardless of being diagnosed with ADHD.

Signs of ADHD are: Often does not give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work, or other activities. Often has trouble keeping attention on tasks or play activities. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly. Often does not follow instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (not due to oppositional behavior or failure to understand instructions). Often has trouble organizing activities. Often avoids, dislikes, or doesn't want to do things that take a lot of mental effort for a long period of time (such as schoolwork or homework). Often loses things needed for tasks and activities (e.g. toys, school assignments, pencils, books, or tools). Is often easily distracted. Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Make sure you eliminate as many distraction as possible. Incorporate as many senses as you can. To help your student to remember names, teach them to repeat the name back to the person when introduced then repeat in his/her head. Gain eye contact if you are speaking or gesture towards the object. Give lots of praise and show excitement when your student pays attention to a desired activity or conversation. Give that child frequent breaks during long activities, assignments or test. Give that child spearmint gum at the initial learning phrase and they will remember the information.

Review the following list of words for about 3 minutes, then I will take them off the screen and you distract yourself for 15 minutes then I will give you a sheet of paper and you write as many words as you remember: Hill Hole Elephant Happy Stranger Lamp Boat Book Cup Swimming

 8 to 10 indicates a good memory  5 to 7 indicates an average memory  3 to 4 indicates a poor memory  0 to 2 indicates a very poor memory

Listening skills are not always a naturally developed skill in children. It can take a conscious effort from a teacher or caregiver to work with a child in teaching them how to listen properly when someone is talking.

Simon Says Red Light-Green Light What time is it? Telephone Board/card games Memory games on the computer

 Make sure you have that child’s complete attention.  Approach the student and touch his/her shoulder while stating their name.  Gain eye contact  Ask him or her to repeat what you just said  Verbally praise the student

 Have that child’s hearing tested  Teach and demonstrate active listening skills  Read to your students  Engage in daily conversation with the student  Limit sugar  Limit video games and television

 Always phrase in a requested, so they think they have some control. For example: After completing your homework, Do you think your parents would let you watch T.V.  Tell your students to have a study location in the house.  Use a homework chart.  Tell your students that they need to eat a good meal and go to sleep on time.  Send home study skill information to help parents reinforce skills.

Try the tips and tricks first before we label our children as ADHD.

Retrieved September 7, Retrieved September 7, 2010