Ok so my question is do any of you mama's have any suggestions on how to get D to focus and pay attention. D has been put in advanced class and I know she has it in her to do it but seems to be lacking focus in getting it done. Last year things came so easy to her I think she is rushing thinking it will always be right.
Also so it is clear there is no AD here as we didn't have that issue the past 2 years. Any helpful suggestions are welcome.
OK D is 7 in second grade and the only area we seem to have a lack of focus is math. Every other subject she is doing just fine in. We have told her to read the math question (yes read as they all seem to be word problems) then re-read it and then answer it. Once she is done with them to go back and check her work again to be sure she is ok with answer she provided. I have talked with her teacher and we are in agreement that she needs to slow down and read what it says before answering it. D is aware that her teacher and I spoke and has agreed to do that. It is early in the school year and the teacher agrees at this age and the complexity of the math they are giving her it takes some kids a bit longer to catch on that it is more than just a 2+2 or 10+10 type of math problem.
A little more information might be helpful here:
How old is your daughter? What grade is she in?
What, specifically, are you trying to get her to focus ON? Homework? Paying attention in class?
And more details about the problem -- how does she act when she's not focusing? -- would be great.
Hard to say since we don't know how old D is. Also, a bit confusing. In one sentence you say "lacking focus in getting it done" which says to me that the work is not being done, but in the next sentence you write "rushing thinking it will always be right" which says D is rushing and getting it finished. Not sure what the situation is.
It's a bit of a shock to kids when everything has been easy for them so far and then they come up against something/anything that requires a bit more effort.
It's better she learn to deal with it now rather than in higher grades or college.
When they first start school, we check their assignments, and homework and their grades frequently - and then we back off a bit when they have it under control.
Go back to doing all that.
If there is a problem spot, go over it, talk with the teacher, get tutoring if you have to - don't let them flounder trying to figure out how to ask for help.
As for focus - at least at home when they are doing homework - eliminate what ever is distracting them.
They come home, change out of school clothes, have a quick snack, start the homework and work on it until it's completed (and you've checked it) and THEN the tv or recreational computer/video games or recreational reading can begin.
Then they can relax and enjoy the evening.
The quickest way to fun is to get the work done!
(I've got to cross stitch that and hang it on my wall someday.)
Well, what does her teacher say? She is the pro, she should have some advice and be guiding her and giving her tips.
You need to remember ALL aspects of her intelligence as well. She may be cognitively advanced, but unless she is physically, socially and emotionally ready to move ahead then she's going to struggle.
Meet with the teacher and go from there.
p.s. ADD/HD isn't always recognized early on. Not saying your daughter has it, just saying don't discount that if it comes up in the future. Rushing through work and inability to focus are two (of many) symptoms of this disorder, especially as kids get older and the work increases and gets more complex.
The fact that she is in an advanced class and that last year was easy, I will assume that your daughter has often heard the word "smart" in reference to her.
I personally would like academically successful kids referred to as hard workers. Because , if the kid fails to deliver, it is simply because he did not work hard enough. On the other hand, a child often called smart will conclude that they are "stupid" if they do not succeed. Chances are, if they fail, they will lack the drive to try again. Sometimes because they have this skewed up thinking that if they were truly smart the should not have to try so hard. Quite silly really.
Maybe it's just an age issue.
