ANNOUNCEMENT

പ്രത്യേക പഠന പരിമിതി പിന്തുണാ കേന്ദ്രം ഒന്നാം ഘട്ട ക്ലാസുകൾ എടുക്കാൻ എത്തിച്ചേർന്ന എല്ലാ ഫാക്കൽറ്റിമാർക്കും ( രമ ,പദ്‌മജ ,വൈഷ്ണ , ആശാലത ,ഷീബ , ഡോ. അഞ്ജു,പ്രസീത ,നിത്യ ,ദിവ്യ ദാമോദരൻ, ബിജിമ , ഷിൽന , പവിത്രൻ, ദേവദാസ്,രാജേന്ദ്രൻ ) അഭിവാദ്യങ്ങൾ.

Sunday, September 29, 2024

Splendio Academy inaugurated at ONAKKUNNU ,PayyannuR

 29/9/24 :SLDSC CHERUPUZHA  felicitates Splendio Academy inaugurated by SHEEJA. A   (  Education and Health Standing Council Chair person,KARIVELLUR-PERALAM Grama panchayath ) at ONAKKUNNU ,Payyannur   a private venture under the leadership of our faculties -SHILNA PRASAD AND SHAMEEMA  for counselling and management of learning difficulties .





CONGRATS,SHILNA PRASAD AND SHAMEEMA








Thursday, September 19, 2024

Strategies to help students understand Word Problems in Mathematics

1. ഒരു പ്രോസസ് ചാർട്ട് ഉപയോഗിക്കുക


ഒരു പ്രോസസ് ചാർട്ട് ഉപയോഗിക്കുക എന്നതാണ് ഒരു തന്ത്രം, അത് വിദ്യാർത്ഥികൾക്ക് ഒരു പുതിയ പ്രശ്നം കൈകാര്യം ചെയ്യുമ്പോൾ അവരെ നയിക്കാൻ കഴിയും. പ്രശ്‌നം ആക്‌സസ്സുചെയ്യാൻ വിദ്യാർത്ഥികൾ പ്രവർത്തിക്കുമ്പോൾ പ്രക്രിയയുടെ ഓരോ ഘട്ടവും എങ്ങനെ പിന്തുണയ്‌ക്കുന്നു എന്നതിൽ ശ്രദ്ധ കേന്ദ്രീകരിക്കാൻ ഇത് സഹായിക്കുന്നു. പ്രശ്നപരിഹാര പ്രക്രിയയുടെ ഒരു ഉദാഹരണം ചുവടെ നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്നു:


2. പ്രധാന വാക്കുകളും അക്കങ്ങളും ഹൈലൈറ്റ് ചെയ്യുക


പ്രശ്നം വായിക്കുക, തുടർന്ന് അത് വീണ്ടും വായിക്കുക, പ്രധാന വാക്കുകളും അക്കങ്ങളും ഹൈലൈറ്റ് ചെയ്യുക. വ്യാഖ്യാനങ്ങൾ ഉപയോഗിച്ച് പ്രശ്നം രണ്ടാമതും വായിക്കുന്നത് പശ്ചാത്തല ശബ്ദത്തിൽ നിന്ന് പ്രധാന വിവരങ്ങൾ അടുക്കാൻ വിദ്യാർത്ഥികളെ സഹായിക്കുന്നു.


3. ദൃശ്യവൽക്കരിക്കുക 


പ്രശ്നം അവതരിപ്പിക്കുന്ന സാഹചര്യത്തിൻ്റെ ഒരു ചിത്രം വരയ്ക്കുക. ആദ്യം ഒരു കഥ ദൃശ്യവൽക്കരിക്കുകയോ ഒരു സിനിമാ രംഗം സങ്കൽപ്പിക്കുകയോ ചെയ്യുന്നത് സഹായകമായേക്കാം. ഒരു സ്റ്റോറി ദൃശ്യവൽക്കരിക്കുന്നത് പ്രശ്നത്തിൻ്റെ ഒരു ചിത്രമോ ഡയഗ്രമോ സൃഷ്ടിക്കാൻ വിദ്യാർത്ഥികളെ സഹായിക്കുന്ന ഒരു ശക്തമായ തന്ത്രമാണ്.


4.ലക്ഷ്യം തീരുമാനിക്കുക


പ്രശ്നത്തിൻ്റെ ലക്ഷ്യം നിർണ്ണയിക്കുക.


5.ചിത്രത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിക്കാൻ ഒരു സമവാക്യം/സമവാക്യങ്ങൾ എഴുതുക


ചിത്രത്തെ പ്രതിനിധീകരിക്കുന്നതിന് ഒരു തന്ത്രം സ്ഥാപിക്കുക അല്ലെങ്കിൽ ഒരു സമവാക്യം എഴുതുക. സാധ്യമെങ്കിൽ ഒരു ഉത്തരം കണക്കാക്കുക. ഒരു ഉത്തരം കണക്കാക്കുകയോ ഏകദേശിക്കുകയോ ചെയ്യുന്നത് വിദ്യാർത്ഥികൾ ശരിയായ പാതയിലാണോ എന്ന് തീരുമാനിക്കാൻ സഹായിക്കുന്നു.


6. ഒരു ഉത്തരം കണക്കാക്കുക.


പ്രശ്നം പരിഹരിച്ച് നിങ്ങളുടെ ഉത്തരത്തിൻ്റെ ന്യായയുക്തത പരിശോധിക്കുക.


7. തെറ്റുകളും തെറ്റുകളും സ്വീകരിക്കാൻ അവരെ പ്രോത്സാഹിപ്പിക്കുക


ആദ്യ ശ്രമത്തിൽ തന്നെ ഒരു പ്രശ്നം ശരിയായി പൂർത്തിയാക്കുന്നത് അപൂർവമാണെന്ന് വിദ്യാർത്ഥികളെ ഓർമ്മിപ്പിക്കുന്നു (UDL ചെക്ക്‌പോയിൻ്റ് 3.2 കാണുക: ഹൈലൈറ്റ് പാറ്റേണുകൾ, നിർണായക സവിശേഷതകൾ, വലിയ ആശയങ്ങൾ, ബന്ധങ്ങൾ (ഒരു പുതിയ വിൻഡോയിൽ തുറക്കുന്നു)).


8. നിങ്ങളുടെ പരിഹാര രീതി വിശദീകരിക്കുക



 1. Use a process chart

One strategy is to use a process chart, which can guide students as they tackle a new problem. It helps to focus on how each step of the process supports students as they work to access the problem. An example problem-solving process is provided below:

2. Highlight key words and numbers

Read the problem, then reread it and highlight key words and numbers. Reading the problem a second time with annotations helps students sort out the core information from the background noise.

3.Visualise 

Draw a picture of the situation that the problem presents. It may be helpful to first visualize a story or imagine a movie scene. Visualizing a story can be a powerful strategy that helps students create a picture or diagram of the problem.

4.Decide the goal

Determine the goal of the problem.

5.Write an equation/ equations  to represent the picture

Establish a strategy or write an equation to represent the picture. Estimate an answer, if possible. Estimating or approximating an answer helps students decide if they are on the right track.

6.Estimate an answer.

Solve the problem and check the reasonableness of your answer.

7.Encourage them to embrace mistakes and errors

Reminding students that it is rare to complete a problem correctly on the first attempt encourage them to embrace mistakes and errors (see UDL Checkpoint 3.2: Highlight patterns, critical features, big ideas, and relationships(opens in a new window)).

8.Explain your solution method.

( input from Judy Zorfass, Tracy Gray, Ph.D., PowerUp WHAT WORKS

in  https://www.ldonline.org/ld-topics/teaching-instruction/understanding-word-problems-mathematics)

Monday, September 16, 2024

Career Guidance for Slow learners

 Inputs from internet sources including Qoura

There are several career paths that could be well-suited for someone who is a slow learner, introvert, and socially awkward. Some options to consider include:

  1. Data entry or administrative roles: These types of positions often involve repetitive tasks that can be learned gradually. The work is usually independent and does not require significant social interaction.
  2. Computer programming or software development: Programming can be a good fit as it is a technical field that involves problem-solving and working independently. Strong coding skills are valued more than social abilities in this career.
  3. Accounting or bookkeeping: Accounting work is detail-oriented and methodical, which may play to the strengths of a slow learner. It also tends to have limited client-facing responsibilities.
  4. Graphic design or digital art: Creative roles like graphic design allow you to work independently on visual projects. The ability to focus and pay attention to detail is often more important than social skills.
  5. Library or museum work: Roles in libraries, archives, or museums involve organizing and maintaining information resources. These positions typically have minimal customer service requirements.

The key is to identify careers that play to your strengths, such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently. 

Roles with limited interpersonal demands may be best suited given your self-described personality traits. Building up your skills gradually in a supportive environment can help offset any challenges related to being a slow learner.

-Assistant


Answer 2

Your real question is not about careers but about what you need to do to prepare yourself for a career. With the attributes you listed the people most likely to hire you are those who are most likely to push you around, make unreasonable demands, and built you. Why? Because they can.

You are who you think you are. You are who you tell others you are. And, most importantly, you are normal. You have personal and social concerns and tensions. We all do. Some people manage to put on a better act than others. That’s just a way of saying they lie better than those around them. Acting like you know can be vastly different than really knowing anything. The fact that you listed some characteristics that may be considered as personal negatives, to me, is an indicator of your self awareness, internal integrity, and a level of honesty and dignity not typically found in many people. For your career search that is where you should start.

Social awakwardness is learned through practice and trial and error. I, and millions of others, read books on manners and how-tos on socia.l behaviors. Times have apparently changed enough to almost make us obsolete, but not quite. There is always a place for good manners, being polite, understanding, and courteous. Those are skills you learn, you practice, and practice some more. Why? Because in time they start to set you off from the riffraff that fancy themselves the hoitytoity. People running good companies and good businesses prefer to hire people who will represent their businesses well. They can teach you many things, but the foundational skills in how to treat others they expect you to walk in the door with those skills. They use those skills to determine if you are a good face for their business.

Good managers and supervisors do not worry too much about whether you are a fast learner or a slow learner. First, and foremost, is can you, and are you willing to, learn. Are you demonstrating progress and improved skills in what they are teaching you. Are you trying to apply their skill set to your work. Are you doing something!

That you have posted on Quora suggests you have seen many other inquiries posted here. Most of the ones I see read more like ““How do I get paid to do nothing while avoiding earning what I think I should be paid?” I’m not impressed. As an individual and as a business owner they disgust me. In contrast, your inquiry suggests to me that you are expecting to be perfect out the gate, a relative impossibility. But, it’s enough to stymie your whole operation and frustrate you, too. You are normal. You are going to make mistakes. I still make mistakes. Everybody still makes mistakes, all the time. That’s because we are normal. And, because we are normal, we adjust and try again. All those people you look up to started in the same condition as you, looking to others for guidance, making mistakes, correcting, and improving until they became the examples for you. Except, you are seeing them after they made most of their mistakes. Use them for guidance. Ask them. Listen, watch, practice, then ask. You’ll have a better understanding of the issues and can be more specific in what you need to know.

in time you will acquire your level and depth of knowledge of what works for you and your personality. In the process you will find your career. It is said that Thomas Edison was chastised for some 10000 failures in trying to discover how to make the lightbulb. He observed”I know 10000 things that don’t work.” Finding a career is something like that, too. Every job you try is a success in finding things that don’t fit you, of things you like and dislike about that job, or any job.

Life is something like a river. Each rain drop an experience, not much in itself but together with other rain drop experiences the trickle becomes a stream and the stream a creek and the creek a river. Things happen. Big rocks and other obstructions alter the flow, but the flow continues in some firm or another. You will find your career more placid than those whose careers are gully-washers, and that is ok. You won’t leave the destruction in your wake that they do. Your career will build opportunities for others. It will happen..-

Steve Mohr




Sunday, September 15, 2024

CAREER GUIDANCE FOR ADHD

 career :. an occupation or profession, especially one requiring special training, followed as one's lifework: He sought a career as a lawyer. a person's progress or general course of action through life or through a phase of life, as in some profession or undertaking: His career as a soldier ended with the armistice.


Each child is unique !

Importance of Unconditional Regard


Eg : FAHAD FASIL IN AVESHAM

ADHD -https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/jobs-for-people-with-adhd/

teacher , day care worker , journalist ,copy editor, chef , food industry worker,beautician ,small business owner,enterpreunures , nurses,high tech field,Software Developer,artist,Theatrical Stage Manager.


Many adults with ADHD find joy in professions that allow them to work directly with children — in careers such as teaching or child care. These jobs rely on your dynamic personality and thoughtful creativity, though they may put your patience to the test. To succeed in a kid-focused career, you must be able to think on your feet and transition from task-to-task quickly — and understanding the challenges and strengths of students with ADHD is a huge plus, too.


Day care worker

“I love working with toddlers and preschoolers — they understand me! We jump from one project to the next and they rarely know when I’m off task.”
– Lori, an ADDitude reade
r

Journalists 

A career in journalism is exciting, creative, and rewarding for dedicated reporters and writers who deal well with day-to-day changes in work setting. Most journalists cover a broad range of topics, interact with a variety of people, and deliver a quick turnaround on assignments — all a good fit for a person with loads of energy, a short attention span, low boredom threshold, and problems with sustained focus over days. Hard deadlines, however, may be a challenge.


copy editor:A Copy Editor has many responsibilities, including proofreading text to check for grammar, spelling and punctuation errors. They also have to fact-check content like dates and statistics to ensure all published content is accurate for their readers.Skills and knowledge

  • knowledge of English language.
  • excellent written communication skills.
  • knowledge of media production and communication.
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail.
  • the ability to work well with others.
  • excellent verbal communication skills.
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure.

The average salary for Copy Editor is £31,489 per year in the London. The average additional cash compensation for a Copy Editor in the London is £687, with a range from £468 - £1,006. Salaries estimates are based on 74 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by Copy Editor employees in London.

Professional copy editors generally hold a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or a related field. They must be able to adhere to strict deadlines and be extremely meticulous to identify and correct small errors in punctuation, spelling, or grammar.


“My best job was in a busy newsroom as a copy editor. There was constant activity and fast deadlines. If I had 15 things to focus on at once, I was golden!”
— Patti, an ADDitude reader

chef 

"I left corporate America to join culinary school because that was my passion. ADHD people aren't mentally [inferior to] anyone else. They are extremely creative. If you are able to manage it, understand what your strengths are, and not feel bad about your symptoms, it's not something horrible."
— Alexis Hernández, chef contestant on The Next Food Network Star


food industry worker

Some adults with ADHD flourish in the culinary arts because the work is creative and relatively unaffected by ADHD-related deficits. Cooking requires you to focus on the task at hand and take immediate steps to create a finished product, while not demanding long-range planning or lots of working memory. Unusual or flexible hours, with sporadic ebb-and-flow pacing, add just the right touch of excitement to promote focus and attention.

beautician

Estheticians, manicurists, and cosmetologists are constantly meeting with new clients — each one providing a unique creative challenge requiring only short-term focus. These professionals remain on their feet all day and jump from task to task quickly, an ideal working situation for an adult with hyperactive-type ADHD. Plus, the constant influx of customers provides ample social interactions and quick task turnover, leaving little opportunity for boredom.

a hairstylist 

not barbarian !

“Being a hairstylist is the best job for this ADHD mama. I get a new client every 45 minutes and each person is so different! I can work 10-12 hours and feel like I haven't worked more than 3.”
— Robin, an ADDitude reader


small business owner

Starting a small business suits the strengths of ADHD. The hours are more flexible (though often more plentiful, too) and as an entrepreneur you are your own boss. Work settings can vary from day to day, which accommodates the restlessness and boredom that many adults with ADHD experience. Plus, you get to focus on your true passion: making your career and life more meaningful.

Enterprenuers

"I got the feedback in my old jobs that I was good at starting things but not at finishing projects. Being a self-employed grant writer is a way around that, because there are defined projects with a defined life to them."
— Daniel G., an ADDitude reader

EXAMPLE -Irfan Alam

nurses

“I'm a nurse in surgery, which is good for my ADHD because it rolls with my fleeting attention, but has enough structure to keep me focused.”
– Rebecca, an ADDitude reader


high tech field

An ADHD brain is a perfect match for high-tech jobs such as in IT because an under-stimulated frontal lobe gets jump-started by always-changing technology. Computer technicians rove throughout a company working with others to solve computer problems, while software developers generally work independently — creating and troubleshooting computer code for programs, websites, or apps. Both jobs provide ample opportunity to problem solve and harness that ADHD hyperfocus on small details.


Software Developer:

“Most software tasks only take a few weeks which helps prevent monotony. As a software developer, the problems I deal with are diverse, interesting, and require constant hands on thinking — great for keeping the ADHD mind on track.”
– Adam, an ADDitude reader

Emergency first responders  (EMTs, police officers, and  must work well under pressure and make split-second decisions. These jobs allow you to work in a variety of settings, while providing the kind of adrenaline-pumping excitement that helps many individuals with ADHD focus their minds. When others start to panic in chaos, the ADHD brain kicks into high gear allowing you to see problems clearly and complete the task at hand.)

Software Developer :


Theatrical Stage Manager

“As a stage manager, it's up to me to facilitate every part of a production: from meetings and rehearsals to performances. It gives me plenty to focus on and no two days are the same. Plus, it helps that theater people are some of the kindest, kookiest people on the planet. I fit right in!”
– Jessi, an ADDitude reader

Artist

It's no secret that individuals with ADHD explode with creativity, so it's no surprise that they generally succeed when surrounded by other artists. Working in a fast-paced, artistic environment is ideal for anyone who thrives in creative chaos. Whether it's as a TV producer, choreographer, painter, or concert pianist, adults with ADHD are happiest when their work allows them to express their artistic abilities.

Eg : FAHAD FASIL IN AVESHAM



Abstract, numerical, spatial, psychometric, verbal and logical are the different kinds of aptitude tests for children. Aptitude refers to a person's inherent capacity to study or perform in a particular subject.



Kerala School Aptitude Test (KSAT)

eligibily 9 th and 10 th students-Rs.299 link click here  link click here      link click here

 for Career Choices is an online evaluation tool created by ASAP Kerala Assessment Division to assist individuals in selecting feasible career paths based on their aptitudes, interests, and talents. To deliver individualized suggestions, this complete package combines scientifically verified psychometric tests with career advising experience. It maximizes users' chances of success and enjoyment while assisting them in making educated decisions regarding their choices for future professional life. Students of 9th and 10th standard are ideal candidates for appearing in this assessment test.


2. Interest Inventories

The aptitude test offers ‘interest inventories’ that evaluate users’ inclinations and fervours in a variety of fields, including the arts, sciences, business, technology, healthcare, and more. Understanding one’s interests is crucial for ensuring that job decisions are in line with personal goals and happiness.

3. Skills Evaluation

KSAT includes assessments that evaluate users’ current skill sets, such as communication skills, technical skills, leadership abilities, and analytical thinking. Recognizing one’s skills helps in exploring career paths that utilise and further develop those abilities.

4. Personality Assessment

Personality assessments are used to determine users’ personality traits, work preferences, and behavioural tendencies. This information is quite useful in choosing professional surroundings that match their personality and work style.

5. Comprehensive Reports

Each user receives thorough evaluations that give a comprehensive picture of their aptitudes, interests, abilities, and personality. These reports provide tailored career advice by emphasising relevant sectors, work functions, and educational options that fit their particular profile


How to Advocate for ADHD

 

How to Advocate Forcefully for Your Child with ADHD


credits to https://www.additudemag.com/

Children with ADHD encounter more barriers at school, in the community, and even at home. No one understands these hurdles — and how to best overcome them — better than your family. Here, parent advocate Penny Williams outlines the best ways to share these strategies clearly and effectively.

Here’s how to do it:

1.  You catch more flies with honey. While it often feels like an “us vs. them thing,” you should approach working with teachers and administrators collaboratively, as though you’re truly a team, for the best outcomes.

2.  Keep your emotions out of it. Vent to your family or friends. Write the nasty rebuttal you’d like to offer, but don’t send it. Stick to facts and a neutral tone when interacting with school staff.

[Quiz: How Well Do You Know Special Ed Law?]

3.  Submit a Parent Concerns Letter to the IEP or 504 team at least two days before school meetings. Include everything — cite references from evaluations as often as possible. If it’s an IEP meeting, copy and paste the information onto the IEP form the school uses.

4.  Draft and submit a Present Levels of Performance Letter, and include it with the Parent Concerns, at least two days before a school meeting. This will include: current grades, current struggles at school (academic, behavior, social, and emotional), how existing goals and accommodations have been implemented up to that point, and which strategies have succeeded and which have failed. Cite incidents, with dates, as much as possible. If it’s an IEP meeting, copy and paste the letter onto the IEP form the school uses, as well.

5.  Use email communications to get everything in writing.

6.  Don’t expect perfection. Your child has a disability. He will struggle — we can’t erase that. The goal for accommodations at school should be to teach skills and to level the playing field, so your child has the same chance of success as his neurotypical peers.

7.  Observe your child’s behaviors closely. The stress of struggling and being misunderstood causes a child’s behavior and emotions to deteriorate. Behavior is communication. If your child is avoiding school, acting out against peers or teachers, fleeing the classroom, refusing to do schoolwork, unmotivated to complete schoolwork or to do well at it, overly emotional, making up stories about things that “happen” at school, he is communicating something to you. Work with him to determine the root of the challenges. It could be that the work is too hard, social problems, lagging skills, or fear and anxiety. You can’t solve the behavior challenges until you know the reason for them.

[Free Checklist: Fight for Your Child’s Rights at School]

If you find yourself at an impasse with your child’s school, take your concerns to the next level. If you can, hire an educational advocate to help you.

At the Doctor’s Office

Sometimes doctor and therapy appointments are rushed, and don’t address all the problems you’re experiencing. Become an informed patient (or parent of a patient), and use your advocacy skills in the doctor’s office. If you have struggles you need help with, bring them up at the beginning of the appointment. (“Today I want to be sure we talk about x, y, and z before we leave.”) I keep a list of the things I want to discuss with my son’s therapist or doctor, so I don’t forget anything.


If you feel your child’s doctor or therapist isn’t listening to you, or isn’t valuing your concerns, it’s time to find a new one. Your mission is to build a successful life for your child — don’t let a professional who doesn’t listen keep you from attaining your goals.

Advocate in the Community

I don’t have to tell you that kids with ADHD are misunderstood in our communities. When your child spends time with someone in the community, you should let that person know about the weaknesses she struggles with that will arise during their time together. If your child is taking swimming lessons, the instructor needs to know that he should watch your child to be sure she is hearing and understanding the instructions during class. He needs to know that your child is anxious about the water, or might lose focus after 30 minutes, instead of staying focused the entire 45 minutes.


Some instructors or coaches just aren’t a good fit for kids with ADHD. If you run into that, look for another group or class.


Advocate at Home

You can advocate for your child during family life too, by helping him reduce stress as much as possible.

1.  Listen to his concerns and validate his feelings. Let him tell you whatever is on his mind, and don’t judge him for it. Instead, support his feelings and thoughts, whatever they are.

2.  Find ways for your child to experience success, and often. Those who grow up with ADHD are bombarded with messages that they are lazy, defiant, or broken. We must show our kids that they are just as deserving and capable of success as anyone else. Every success offers a child a little relief.

3.  Make sure she knows you love her, no matter what. It’s hard growing up feeling like you’re always letting people down.

4.  Make a plan for any fears or anxieties up front. My son resists going to the fireworks on the 4th of July. He likes fireworks, but the noise and crowds stress him out. We manage those stressors by going to a neighboring small town’s event, because it’s a lot less crowded. And he wears noise-canceling headphones during the show, to reduce the sound. Now he isn’t stressed about doing something he enjoys.

5.  An important part of our advocacy is teaching our kids to advocate for themselves. As teens and preteens, they begin to have the awareness necessary to get help and accommodations before life becomes too stressful.

Helping your child live a happy and successful life is advocacy in itself. You are your child’s best and most knowledgeable supporter. Stand behind him to ensure success.

What Is Your Best Tip for Advocating for Your Child in School?

ADDitude readers offer solutions and share their advice on school advocacy.

“A note of thanks to the teacher who gets my grandson and knows what works for him. In addition to letting teachers know that they matter to my grandson, I hope my acknowledgment inspires teachers to help other kids with ADHD.” -Leslie, New Jersey

“Remember that your child doesn’t understand how her brain works As a result, she can’t ask for help or know when she needs it. You are her voice. Stay strong.” -Sanders, Missouri

“Keep in constant contact with the school, and don’t take it for granted that the school is always right when evaluating your child. Your child needs to know that you will always be there for him, no matter what.” -Mary, England

“As a teacher who has been diagnosed with ADD myself, I like parents to meet with me and talk about what has worked for their child, what hasn’t, and our goals for the future. After the talk, I’m better prepared to help their child on the tough days.” -April, Utah

“I ask my daughter to stand up for herself, and, respectfully, remind the teacher of her needs. The same goes for school administration—I have found that respect and reminders go a long way toward success in the classroom.” -Jennifer, Minnesota

“Listen to the teachers and weigh what they have to say, but remember that you are the expert on your child. Advocating doesn’t have to mean arguing or being aggressive. It is quietly standing your ground for your child.” -Bethany, Australia

“Keep pushing, and don’t let anyone tell you they’re doing all they can when you know they aren’t.” -David, Washington


[Read This Next: 20 Classroom Accommodations That Target Common ADHD Challenges]

ADHD and  slow learner-discussion 15 09 2024

With ADHD attention is absolutely difficult. It’s not just you! If 10 minutes is all you can focus, then use the 10 minutes, then take a break. There are many strategies which can be helpful. And sometimes meds can aid concentration.

When you’re concentrating, use colors to help you visualize ideas in your mind. Take a few brief notes, not long sentences, just an important word or phrase. You can even draw a picture or a symbol to trigger your recall. Use highlighters to make a word stand out.

Summarizing for yourself one important thought from what you just read, heard or learned helps with recall, too.

I have ADHD and I’m a slow learner. How can I focus? I genuinely don't know how to get anything done. I can't sit down longer for more than 10 minutes.


There are programs and tutors who/ which teach study skills, if you can avail yourself of that. They can be costly. You might check online for study skills. You might check out “Mapping” or Schematic Mapping which is great to get a visual imprinted in your mind.

Use different modes such as reading, notes, pictures, listening instead of reading, a video. There are many ways available for free to learn or broaden or reinforce what you want to retain.

During your breaks every ten minutes, walk, stretch, breathe the fresh air outside, give yourself a little treat, and Pat yourself on the back for your effort!-Dede Domstein Former Educator (QUORA)

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Begin by focusing for 10 minutes. Choose something you wish to learn, set a timer for 10 minutes and when the time is up, put your project away. For example, if it's knitting then knit for 10 minutes. Do this for one week. Add one minute the next week and each week after for three months. As soon as the timer goes off each day, put your knitting, (or whatever you choose to learn) away and continue with the rest of your day doing whatever you wish. You can choose the time of day you work on your project but keep it the same throughout this process so that each day at that time you are steadily working to extend your ability to focus.

-Maggie Green 

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Hello, ...........

About a million people have been cured of dyslexia and related problems with the Tomatis Method or with Dr. Guy Berard’s Audio Integration Training method. Those patented methods use music and special equipment and are expensive. I discovered that a music therapy using ordinary headphones (without amplified bass) and access to the same kind of high-frequency music online through YouTube or some other source of classical violin music AND DIRECTED ONLY TO THE RIGHT EAR can accomplish the same kind of healing. (It also works for certain serious mental illnesses.

Put a thick cloth or a wad of facial tissue under the left earpiece to block that channel. You must use this therapy for t to 2 hours per day, but NOT LONGER. You should never use earbuds. You need over-the-ear headphones. I recommend coloring circular geometric patterns as symmetrically as you can and making free-form art while you are listening. The artwork brings eye and hand coordination into this music exercise. This therapy, which I call Tallman Paradigm Focused Listening, strengthens the right ear’s stapedius muscle, which gradually makes it able to transmit more of the sound energy into the LEFT half of the brain, during, but also after, the therapy. You should see significant changes within two to three weeks. Since you are changing a muscle, it may need some regular music exercise to keep it in shape. And since you are changing the way the two halves of your brain interact (the left-brain is becoming more dominant in those integration processes) the changes may take some getting used to over the next few weeks. The Tallman Paradigm is the neurological explanation for why this therapy works. But you don’t need to know the neurology to use the therapy! Feel free to contact me directly if you need to.-

Laurna Tallman

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Being an ADHD person myself, couple of habits help:

  1. Write down (not type) a summary of what is being studied - this helps slowing your mental space down so things sticks to your head, if not by understanding, at least by repetition.
  2. Draw a “mind map” of what is being studied. This will help integrate what you need to remember into your memory in your own unique way. If you can recall/visualize your mind map with no aid, then you can move on to next topic of study.
  3. Play a scenario in your head where you’re being asked to teach the material to someone who has no idea about it, where do you start? This will help you grow and root your mindmap
  4. -Ted Aston , ADHD Positive

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 My mom had to use a 2 minute timer for me when I was young “Just work on your math for 2 minutes, than you can play.”

Yes, I was a very tiring boy I’m sure.

BUT, I am somewhat better now! I have slowly taught myself some discipline, but more importantly, I taught myself some tricks. Here we go!

  1. Music. Music can be a distraction OR a focuser, figure out what works and lose yourself into the study while the music plays. I was able to do a 6 hour study session on some VERY boring work because of music.
  2. Smaller goals. I find I have troubles focusing on large projects. Break them down. For now I am NOT going to study the whole book. I am going to study this chapter. I am NOT going to write the whole book report in one go. (Up until I do anyway. Either no focus or complete focus, right?)
    What often happens is that I finally get my focus because I only have to work on this tiny problem and I can deal with THAT…and I just roll on and on until the whole thing is done anyway.
  3. Practice. Yes, I’m sure you hate this word. Sorry. But it’s true, you CAN teach yourself to focus with practice. Learn to make what you are trying to focus on IMPORTANT.
  4. Figure out how to make the project or study interesting. Maybe do it with people and discuss it together. I always like to do the Mystery Science Theater 3000 approach and make fun of the boring work to the others. In order to actually DO that though, I have to know the material. HEY! It’s interesting all of a sudden!
  5. Find a good teacher. If a teacher is boring, it just wrecks everything. The good teachers STAND OUT. You know what I mean i’m sure. There is ALWAYS someone out there who is willing to teach/mentor you on the subject you are trying to learn. Look at Quora! It’s built on finding the best answers for questions. Try the same concept with learning a subject. If it’s hard to focus on, try a different teacher/website/book/article.
  6. This is NOT something I have personally done, but my brother HAS. I really suggest being careful with this one. Adderal or equivalent. My brother has, if anything, LESS attention span than I do. It helped him get through some VERY tough collage classes. Again, medicine strong enough to affect your judgment and executive functions of your brain has costs. Some of them are subtle and hard to explain, some are NOT and involve hospital bills.

Lastly, I suggest you look into researching Autism and/or ADHD. I am NOT saying look into it for some magic pill solution. But you might surprise yourself with what you can find out about YOURSELF if you ARE on the Autism spectrum or have strong ADHD. They have overlap. It’s VERY possible you have high functioning Autism or perhaps just ADHD (Which also can fall into Autism anyway.)

Much like color blindness, you can have it your whole life and not know. Despite it seemingly being something that should be incredibly obvious. It’s not the end of the world if you have it or anything big, it’s just learning how you think and act differently compared to other people and compared to how you THINK that you think. It’s an interesting world of neural study anyway.

Good luck trying out my tricks!-

James Dejager

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What is a good way to stay focused if you have ADHD? All suggestions welcome.

I have a rotating list of strategies I use. Rotating, because I find the effectiveness of most coping mechanisms lasts for 3 to 12 months before my brain decides it can just ignore them.

The one that's been most consistently effective long term is “body doubling". This means working on or completing boring or frustrating tasks with another person present. This other person doesn't have to be working on the task with me; in fact it's often better if they're not. They don't even have to be physically present; a virtual body double works just as well. Sometimes the body double works on their own thing. Sometimes they just provide conversation. If we're working on the same task, we split it up. (When my roommate and I team up for housework, one of us tackles the bathroom and kitchen, the other sweeps and mops the floors. When writing with the Toymaker, we're working on separate chapters, or he'll be editing while I forge ahead writing.)

During the times of my life when I've had a lot of scheduled activities or events I found a bullet journal handy. Don't try to get cute or fancy with it. A journal about the size of a paperback book is a good size to haul around, and use a pen you like the feel of. I used a bullet journal for about 3 years when I was actively involved in a cosplay group that had events every weekend from May to October, events often scheduled weeks or months in advance. But as soon as Covid hit and the events evaporated, I put the journal down and never picked it up again.

-Kitty Bound

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There are some specific tactics you can get started doing right away, as well as longer term strategies that will help build your ‘will power muscle’.

  1. Us the Pomodoro Technique to stay on task but still give your brain a break. You can learn more about this method on the wikipedia page about it. The idea is to focus for 25 min, and then take a 5 min break. Pushing through those last few min each time will actually build your will power to allow you to do more Pomorodors’ over time, and build your overall will power.
  2. Go for a run! Exercising releases Dopamine in your brain, which in turn helps you to focus.
  3. Set small goals and use small rewards to begin to re-wire your brain, rewarding it when you stay focused.
  4. Focus on a Keystone Habit. You can’t change everything about your current workflow, but by focusing on one specific behavior and making sure you do that one thing every day.
  5. Use the X Effect to track the keystone habit you picked. This method of taking a notecard and 49 squares to cross off daily progress will help to reinforce the behavior you are rewarding in #3, and keep you accountable to do it EVERY DAY!
  6. Use background noise app like Coffivity to give your brain the stimulus it craves, without causing distraction. I find having just the right amount of stimulus helps me to stay focused.

So those are some good tactics to do immediately. Now for overall strategy:

  1. Know the why behind what you are doing. If you are a global learner like me, as opposed to a sequential learner, you may need more context than other people. You can give yourself context, by clearly identifying the benefits behind doing what you need to do, if it is taxes, homework, or a long boring project. Clearly visualize the benefits for getting the task done, and even close your eyes and feel what it will be like to experience those benefits. Read ‘Goals’ by Bryan Tracy if you want to dive in more.
  2. Life has presented you with this specific challenge, that may be a bigger challenge to you than others. Learning how to overcome this specific task or challenge is the opportunity you need to go to the next level in your work, or personal life. If you think of this task as an internship for life, what can you learn from this process? This is not something to just move past or skip, but it is the very thing you need to be overcoming. Read ‘Obstacle is the Way’ for more on this strategy.
  3. Success is not how smart you are, but your ability to stick with something till the end. This does not mean you should not have multiple interests, just that learning how to become a finisher is valuable, and worth your time, even if it is something you are horrible at now. Read ‘Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance’ for more.

I am writing a self published book on the closely related topic of harnessing your creativity if you want an additional resource. Will be posting videos explaining the techniques and strategies above, along with the book once finished.

---Christopher Porter , Writer at NoTallOrder.com

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ADHD can make it difficult to focus on one thing for a longer time. It is really great that you want to learn ways for enhancing your attention span and focus better.

Some of the strategies you can try for enhancing your focus include:

  1. Try to cut newspaper into very small chunks and make collage using those bits of paper.
  2. Gradually increasing your focusing time, for instance, first try to focus for 10 minutes, then increase the time to 15 minutes and so on. This is an hypocritical example, your time span can vary based on needs.
  3. Engage in those activities that you enjoy, such as drawing, singing and try to observe your level of focus in those situations.
  4. Seek professional help because they can better understand your concern and help accordingly.
  5. Give yourself time and have patience. Take small steps and acknowledge those to keep yourself motivated.      -------- by Anushka Kharbanda