How to Teach your kid to focus in class?

[e3nity]

cherrygal:

I think the teachers at some enrichment centres are young and forget to set boundaries for the kids. My son was so afraid of one male teacher who was very strict with the kids. He didn't dare move in that class! It's the same with parents. If you don't set boundaries for your kids, they will behave like little emperors and climb over your heads. Kids have an innate need for boundaries and rules. Use them.


Just read Supernanny by Jo Frost and here are her top 10 rules:
1. Praise and Rewards - best are attention, praise and love. Not sweets.
2. Consistency - a rule is a rule, no changes
3. Routine - set a timetable
4. Boundaries - You need to set rules and keep them
5. Discipline - Keep boundaries with discipline. Can be with authoritative voice, warnings etc. She doesn't advocate harsh punishment. Perhaps withdraw privileges.
6. Warnings - give advance notice of what is coming up and also give kids the chance to correct bad behaviour without further disciplinary actions.
7. Explanations - explain why you are disciplining the kid in a simple to understand manner.
8. Restraint - Keep your cool.
9. Responsibility - Allow the kids to boost their self confidence by letting them do small achievable tasks. Get them to help around the house and give praise.
10. Relaxation - Make sure you, your spouse and other kids get quality time for individual attention. Chill.

I find that supernanny's style works in the angmo culture.. Its abit tough for asian culture.. its tough for me to enforce those.. any tips to start off?

[LJHLJH]

Hi,

I tried the supernanny style for a while - the naughty corner. But realised it didn’t work during homework time, as my boy chose to sit in the naughty corner rather than sitting at the table to do his work ! Anything to get away from the home work table.

But I agree on the other techniques of routine, boundaries, warnings, explanation.

[e3nity]

LJHLJH:

Hi,

I tried the supernanny style for a while - the naughty corner. But realised it didn't work during homework time, as my boy chose to sit in the naughty corner rather than sitting at the table to do his work ! Anything to get away from the home work table.

But I agree on the other techniques of routine, boundaries, warnings, explanation.

Yup i agree too.. some works some done.. how how how.. :stupid: :stupid: gg P1 next yr.. so worrying..

[cherrygal]

Buy more parenting books and read, eg. James Dobson’s "Bringing Up Boys". You’ll learn that boys behave very differently from gals, especially when they are young.


My boy also can’t sit still at home. Your boy is normal if he can sit still to watch TV, read a storybook or complete given tasks at K2.

If his K2 teacher thinks he’s normal, then don’t listen to "brain enrichment centres" who just want to earn your hard-earned money to "open his brain".

DS is very playful and the teacher also mentioned he needs to pay more attention in class. But I don’t worry too much as I know he has a competitive streak which I encouraged from young. I make it his responsibility to do well by giving him lots of pep talks. So far, he’s doing well enough despite not paying full attention. I told him, if he wants me to stop nagging, just show me the results and I will keep quiet even if he watches TV the whole day.

I spoke to many older parents with sons that were very playful but have now succeeded in their studies, and they all told me these boys must be disciplined (with boundaries, maybe caning and scoldings can be included in the Asian context) and given lots of coaching (academic tuition, not so much enrichment) in their early years. The boys usually bloom later at around P5.

What I am saying is, hang in there. Don’t be overly worried and just do your best as a parent. Don’t push them too hard too as weaker kids can end up mentally tortured.

[Shera]

Getting kids to focus may pose great challenge to parents.


Here are my several practice:

- praise him
- hug him
- letting him know how you feel towards his behaviour
- let him understand more if we switch roles
- pretend not to see (only when you know he is seeking attention)
- revise with him of the nos even when he is not doing so

sometimes, I will also thank him for his understanding

Anyone can share more ideas :lol:

[Ivy Ang Siow Kia]

Hi,


Ya, my son also very bad at focusing until he reach 7 years old. I sent him for asessment at KKh too, for about 3 mths and I picked up some very useful tactics to handle my child in terms of focusing during work, when someone is talking to him etc. I used them consistantly even until today.

He can't finish a piece of worksheet by himself and couldn't focus for more than 5 mins. He would feel stressed and complain of chest pain, which is worrying. I had shared with the childcare centre which he was previously attending and even to his current P1 teacher, the childcare centre was supportive and applied the tactics and find it useful too and his concentration span improved. It needs a lot of constant reminders, and its hard work for the dedicated teachers. We have to put in alot of efforts as well.

If anyone of u want me to share the tactics, please pm me.


Ivy

[DaddyKids]

Hi all,


Is this something only common to boys? :?

My Son is at a full day child care. While he is interested in activities, he is unable to concentrate. His teachers said that he sometimes move around the class or move to a table and take his nap while the rest of the kids sat on the floor.

When his Chinese teacher speaks to him, he runs away.

Tried some of the supernanny techniques but it usually works only for a short while.

Any suggestions?

[Leoleo18]

Hi


My boy who is P1 this year , also have the same problem.
During the mid year parent meeting session, the form teacher told me that my boy had short attention span (which i agreed as this is not the first feedback). The teacher said that he cant stop talking in class which caused disturbance to the class and progress in the lessons. I also realised that while doing his work, he will take his own time. I have sent him to many difference kind of enrichment / tution classes, feedback from the teacher is his attention span and he refuse to do his work in the class. He can stare at the book but no work done.
I'm not sure how can I get him to focus. I believe he is doesnt belong to hyper-active group as he can FOCUS very well when he is watching TV or playing games. He can sit there for an hour or two.
Any parents can help me! Greatly appreciate any tips on how to handle my boy.
Thanks :?:

[pingathot]

Hello parents

I think most boys and even some girls are like that. I have the same problem with my boy when he was young. Now he is 10 and sometimes still day-dream during class, but teacher is quick to pull him back. You have to inform all teachers and request to let him sit in front. So far this year, we have good feedbacks from teachers and his concentration has improved. Maybe from young, we have sent him to abacuss class, chess and golf. I think all these activities do some part too. That’s mine point of view.

[Chenonceau]

e3nity, my son at that age was also very lively. I made sure I gave him enough physical activity on a daily basis so that he could sit still. From being able to sit still (from tiredness), he actually did learn to sit still.