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Now That I Have Your Attention . . .
How to Improve Children’s Lives by
Assessing and Increasing Their Attention
Part 4: What Teachers Can Do
 About 300 years after Sir Isaac Newton wrote, “If I have ever made any
valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention,
than to any other talent,” Robert J. Shiller wrote in Irrational
Exuberance, “The ability to focus attention on important things is a
defining characteristic of intelligence.” As we pointed out last
month, focusing, shifting, and dividing attention is constantly needed
throughout the day.
This month’s focus is what teachers can do to help. More important
than specific one-size-fits-all recommendations, the key is continuous
open communication between you, your child, and the school. Changes in
the schedule, seating, etc. must be based on the specific needs of
your child rather than a standard set of modifications for all kids
with attention problems. So, the first step is to set up a meeting
with the guidance counselor and the teacher(s) to discuss your child's
progress. Listen for specific behaviors that may interfere with
learning such as:
Walking around during class
Looking out the window, at the other kids, at the floor, etc.
Losing supplies
Not handing in homework you know was done
Get as many examples as you can. Then, ask for just as many examples
of times when your child was successful at paying sustained attention
and shifting and dividing attention when required. This will help the
meeting not be so focused on negative aspects of the attention issue.
Next, brainstorm together possible changes the teacher can make to
allow your child’s natural interests and abilities to be used to their
utmost. For example:
Seat in front
Gently touch his/her desk to regain attention
Write homework assignments
Extra set of books at home
Extra time for homework/tests
Follow-up is crucial. Set up a meeting to review progress and tweak
the plan based on a combination of the teacher’s and your feedback on
its usefulness. Review what is working and what needs changing, alter
the plan as needed, then end with scheduling the next meeting.
Most teachers want what you want – for your child to learn. So, they
are willing to make reasonable changes. It is a team effort. It should
not be the home versus school team, but rather the child’s team. You
setting the tone by coming in with a positive attitude and maintaining
such an attitude will be very useful in helping get what your child
needs.
What parents can do to help at home is the next topic but as always,
if you can’t wait, call Total Learning Centers for a free consultation
about your unique situation: 724-940-1090 or check
www.TotalLearningCenters.com for information. Call too for copies of
this or previous articles in this series on improving children’s lives
by assessing and improving their attention.
Dr. Joe Utay, Director of Counseling and Evaluation Services for Total
Learning Centers and professor for Indiana University of Pennsylvania,
is a graduate of University of Pittsburgh, a school psychologist,
marriage and family therapist. Dr. Carol Utay is Executive Director of
Total Learning Centers. She is also a graduate of University of
Pittsburgh, an expert in curriculum, learning, special education, and
technology. “Dr. Carol” has experience as a principal, teacher,
consultant. They live and work in the North Hills.
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