COVID-19 Hacks: Helping kids with attention issues excel in remote learning

Distance learning may have become the go-to learning mode during the pandemic. But it hardly is the perfect solution. For one, the home may not be as complete as a learning institution is when it comes to educational tools. Secondly, it’s not really the ideal setting for learning. And this is nowhere more pronounced than in the case of attention-deficit kids.

Indeed, it’s sticking out like a sore thumb. If in an ideal setting in school would find the learning capacity of ADD (attention deficit disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) kids challenged, how much more at home when the location is not as ideal. As a parent or guardian, you play a central role in helping your child not just survive but to thrive.

Learning begins with understanding

Right from the get-go, you need to put in tons of patience and understanding. School is structured so the student learns fast. The physical environment is geared towards that – and so does the teaching style. But all that is but wishful thinking at home.

Worse, you have all sorts of distractions in place. There’s the smart TV, then there’s the PlayStation and all the online games available via smartphone. If that is not enough, there are all sorts of attention-grabbing activities happening such as house repair or people talking.

And it’s no joke. CDC statistics show there are over 6.1 million children in America that suffer from ADHD. Over 2.4 million of these are at school age, ages 6 – 11. Plus, there are 3.3 million of these are children aged 12 – 17 years old.

Without a useful structure, your attention-challenged child will face a steeper uphill climb. And this is where your support will come in handy.

Take time to be with them. You can read a book silently beside them while they’re facing their tasks on their computer. And when emotions flare, take time to notice and comment on their behavior. That can be a good start to install positive changes.

Providing the right tools

You have to provide the support your child needs. For one, ensure that your child encounters the least number of distractions as possible. Having a room with a door dedicated solely for learning is a good start.

Additionally, don’t let other members of the house make untimely noise. Have them turn off the TV during school hours.

Additionally, getting a noise-canceling headset such as those from big brands such as Plantronics would be a big step in helping your child concentrate. While these headsets may not totally get rid of the noise, they’re capable of putting it to the utmost minimum helping your child focus better. This way, he can take instructions from online conversations more efficiently.

If you really can’t find a room for him, make sure you put up pieces of cardboard placed strategically at each side of your child’s PC to act as blinders and help him focus.

When you give it time and attention, you’ll notice you can make a difference in your child’s life, albeit bit by bit.