Attention and memory issue
The issue of limited attention span and lack of memory retention is that of a cognitive psychological matter. He struggles to stay focused and pay attention during class activities. In order to support his learning and provide him with opportunities to build and strengthen his attention and memory skills this issue needs to be planned for before the lesson for the duration of the lesson. Stakeholders involved in this area of concern include the teacher, the individual and the parents.
Brock is often distracted, interested in other things or fidgeting. His mind is constantly racing and unfocused. He has troubles concentrating on the lesson and will come and go (mentally) throughout the lesson. He has a short attention span and does not like to remain still for long periods of time. He is often looking out windows, playing in his desk, distracting other students, wanting to go to his bag or toilet. Due to his lack in attention and concentration he has poor memory, because he only takes in parts of the lesson and is unable to create the links between the information. Memory retention is likely to improve once his attention span is more developed.
Resource to help manage issue
A practical resource that a teacher could use in the classroom that would address this issue of attention and memory is that of objects that stimulate the child. As their minds is often running over time giving them something quite to play with can often be the calming they need.
A selection of objects that Brock could use to calm his sensory overload or provoke sensory stimulation
A fidget toy is something that they can play with in their hands that will not make noise or distract others. This will clear the mind, calm the anxiety and allow them more ability to pay attention to information and store it to memory (CHEO, 2009).
This is a self-guided resource and the student will know that when the class is working on something full on or normally confusing (literacy/new concept) that they automatically get out this toy and pay attention.
References
Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). (2009). What you need to know about children and youth with sensory processing issues. Retrieved September 12, 2013 from http://www.cheo.on.ca/uploads/Sensory%20Processing/Sensory%20Processing%20ENG.pdf
Classroom inclusion for individuals with Autism 