A Resource for Teachers and School Learning Support Officers
A Resource for Teachers and School Learning Support Officers - Back
A Resource for Teachers and School Learning Support Officers - Back
Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Student Services Riverina Region <br />
For <strong>School</strong> <strong>Learning</strong> <strong>Support</strong> <strong>Officers</strong><br />
Establishing <strong>and</strong> Maintaining Attention<br />
Be<strong>for</strong>e commencing work with a student, it is crucial that you have their attention. Following<br />
teacher directions, you may wish to consider the following suggestions:<br />
1. Make the activity fun <strong>and</strong> explain the activity in an enthusiastic manner.<br />
2. When giving directions make sure the student is listening to what you are saying. The<br />
student could be asked to repeat the instructions or summarise what they are<br />
supposed to be doing.<br />
3. A signal, such as a raised h<strong>and</strong>, may work as an ‘attention getter’ <strong>for</strong> the student who<br />
is not paying attention … as it is less intrusive <strong>for</strong> the other students who are working<br />
close by.<br />
4. If you explain the objective of the task, or why they need to know something,<br />
students will be more motivated to pay attention.<br />
5. Use rein<strong>for</strong>cements – if they know they will get rein<strong>for</strong>ced <strong>for</strong> learning something they<br />
will be motivated to pay attention.<br />
6. Wait until they are ready to begin. Wait in silence <strong>for</strong> their attention.<br />
7. Do not repeat instructions 3 or 4 times as students will learn that they only have to<br />
pay attention after you have said it that many times, <strong>and</strong> will only then ‘tune in’.<br />
Rather give time <strong>for</strong> the student to respond.<br />
8. Ask the teachers what they have tried – they will have additional suggestions.<br />
Remember:<br />
• Some days are better than others. There<strong>for</strong>e take each day as it comes.<br />
• Events outside of school may affect a student’s ability to pay attention, stay on task<br />
or even feel up to the rigorous schedule of a school day.<br />
• The student’s health <strong>and</strong> diet will have a huge affect on their ability to concentrate,<br />
process in<strong>for</strong>mation or comply with the academic <strong>and</strong> social issues of the day.<br />
Riverina SLSO Guidelines 2012. Adapted from Illawarra <strong>and</strong> South Region J.Agzarian 23