Distractions, Distractions . . . .
This post is quick and easy. Parents: take away the phone, the TV, the iPod/music, the computer and any other distractions that prevent your child from working efficiently.
The phone – Do you know how often students are texting each other these days? It’s unbelievable! How is a student possibly going to focus on his/her work with the phone constantly buzzing? Take the phone AWAY and put it somewhere where you can keep an eye on it while your child studies.
The TV – Make sure that your child cannot even hear the TV in the background or he/she will get “sucked in.”
The iPod – I’m sure your child has tried to convince you that he/she gets more work done and can focus more easily with music on. THIS IS JUST NOT TRUE, period. No music is the best scenario. If you must, quiet music without lyrics (jazz or classical for example) may be acceptable.
The Computer – now this one can be tough because students often need access to a computer for schoolwork. The problem, of course, is that students often spend time on non-school related sites and activities while on the computer: Facebook, instant messaging, etc. You need to closely monitor your student when he/she is on the computer. Here’s the key: your child cannot see you as you approach to check on their work or they will quickly and easily hide what they were doing. Instead, you need to be able to see the computer screen without your student knowing that you’re looking. Have the computer situated so that the screen (and the student’s back) is facing toward you.
Removing distractions will allow your child to work more effectively and more efficiently.