I often hear, “My child struggles to clean up her room without getting distracted.” Here are some thoughts. First, understand that the simple statement “clean up your room” involves not so simple multiple multiple-steps and can be overwhelming to a child with attention challenges: it is like trying to eat an uncut extra-large supreme pizza: […]
Active Test Taking Strategies
After spending all that time studying for your exams, its important to actively take them so you can show what you know. Always arrive early and take a moment to relax and reduce your anxiety. Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the instructor. Teachers often make last minute changes. Missing instruction causes extreme anxiety. Take […]
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Using a Routine Checklist
Children and teens with executive functioning problems often struggle to consistently complete routines. One way to help is to use a routine checklist: Try this one and the following procedure to get your child to take ownership of the process. Download Routine Checklist This routine checklist can be used for any number of different routines […]
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Active Note-Taking Tips
Students with executive functioning challenges involving sustained attention, working memory, task initiation, self-monitoring, and goal-directed persistence often struggle to take notes in history, science, and language arts. Try these suggestions to improve their skills.
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Eight Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Test Questions
On multiple choice questions, you are supposed to select the “best” choice among a set of four options. (1) Understand Multiple Choice Questions Multiple choice questions are incomplete statements that you finish by choosing one of four answers. StemThe wallsof granite around the lakes in Iowa were formed by: Options: a. American Indians b. three […]
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Eleven Keys to Answering to Essay Questions
Essay questions require a clear and complete answer followed by concise supporting statements. Some students struggle to provide a clear answer while others fail to give enough support for their answer. To avoid these pitfalls, try these suggestions. Understand the Question. It is important to know exactly what the teacher wants: read carefully so you can […]
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Five Tips for Answering True-False Test Questions
These five tips for answering true-false questions are easy to learn and implement. (1) Understand True-False Questions A true-false question is a statement that states some facts about a person, place, or thing. Few true-false questions are written simply: they often include “traps” so read carefully! (2) Watch out for Qualifiers Qualifiers are words that […]
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An Active Test Prep Plan
Active test preparation is important to help not only raise your grades but also raise your confidence and help you not panic or worry when test day arrives. As the test date approaches, use this timeline to help you make sure you are using your time wisely and have put in the effort needed to […]
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Actively Reading Textbooks
This is an active study strategy that millions have used to improve their comprehension and learning from text books. Survey Determine the structure, organization, or plan of the chapter. Think about the title. Read the introduction. Read the chapter summary. Read the main heads (Boldface type). These are the main ideas. Question Have questions about what […]
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Try This Seven Step Routine for Homework Success
All kids with attention challenges do well when they have a set routine for homework and study time. Involve your child in establishing the routine so she takes “ownership” of the process. Consider this routine as a starting point and make adjustments that fit your child and your family. Drop your backpack in your study […]
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Nine Steps for Structuring Multiple-Step Tasks for Success
Here’s a profound thought: By their very nature, multiple-step tasks include multiple opportunities for one to get “off-task.” This is especially true for those of us who are prone to getting “off-task” in the first place. For example, we set out to clean our room, but in the process, we find an old bag of balloons we […]
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Nine Tips to Help Your Child Follow Directions
Recently, I asked Michelle, a smart girl who has attention challenges, what makes school so difficult for her. She thought for a second, and enthusiastically responded, “My imagination!” I could not have said it better! Much to the chagrin of our loved ones, the imaginations of children (and adults) with attention challenges often get us off […]
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