how can i get my son to pay attention in class?

My second grader is a dreamer in class. The teacher tells me when he's paying attention he does well in class otherwise he makes a lot of mistakes because he is not sure of what to do. He has made missed details in his homework because of not paying attention. I know all to well what the teacher is talking about, sometimes he forgets what was told to him the minute the sentence leaves my mouth. All because he is paying attention at something else, like the TV, his video game, etc. That's another thing he is obsess with playing video games. He has limitations to when and how long he gets to play but that's all he lives and breaths for.

Parent Answers to "how can i get my son to pay attention in class?"

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In addition to drjohnson's excellent comments, you might want to have your son try to write down his homework assignments, upcoming test dates, etc., in some kind of planner or "binder reminder." As he gets older, it will become more difficult for him to "remember" what his homework assignments are, and forgetting important details will affect his grades. If you decide to try this method, inform the teacher so she'll be aware of what's going on. She might be able to make sure all assignments are written down.

Also, remind him to ask questions if he doesn't understand something. Many kids of all ages still don't like to ask questions, for fear of appearing "dumb" to the other students.

Above all, communicate with his teacher often to keep on top of his progress. You don't want to find out just before progress reports come out that he's not performing up to speed.

And lastly, when you're speaking to your son, have him turn off the video game (or at lease "pause" it, depending on what you need him to do). Take him in another room where the TV isn't going. Come eye-to-eye with him when giving instructions, and have him repeat what you said.

I had to do these things with my son for quite a while. He's 11 years-old now, and I no longer have to have him stop everything to listen to me.

The main reasons for zoning out in class are:
1. The work is too difficult to follow
2. The work is way too easy and the child is bored
3. The teacher is boring
4. There is something worrying the child like fear of a bully, or disruptions at home.
5. Some disorder like hypolgycemia, sleep disorders, or an attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD).

Does the child only zone out at school, or only while working on certain subject matter? Did he do this in kindergarten & 1st grade as well?

I am confident that he is trying. Incentive systems just aren't going to work, unless they are immediate and administered by the teacher. Here is a web-site that has lots of ideas for how teachers can help kids with wandering attention.

www.addinschool.com/elementary.htm

So now you need to figure out why he can't pay attention.

Review this list.

www.incrediblehorizons.com/mimic-adhd.htm

See if any of the conditions ring a bell. Then take him to the pediatrician and describe the symptoms. If you suspect ADD, ask for a referral to a pediatric psychiatrist.

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