Tips from Sandra

Attention & Memory Accommodations

Provide preferential seating (e.g., closer to teacher, near positive role model(s).
Stand near student when giving directions or presenting lessons.
Reduce/minimize distractions (visual, auditory, spatial, movement).
Provide study carrel/office area for seat work.
Provide privacy boards/other partitions for seat work/test-taking.
Use visual/graphic depictions of routines, procedures, steps.
Reduce auditory distractions through use of tools (i.e., earphones).
Reduce noise level in room.
Reduce clutter in environment - especially in direct visual field.
Seat away from high traffic areas, windows and doors.
Add color to increase focus on work (e.g., colored poster board under student’s work on desk, highlighting key words).
Use eye contact and voice modulation to maintain attention.
Avoid interruptions in classroom routine.
Establish a calm, predictable environment.
Increase use of signals to increase attention to and alert students of approaching transitions, changes of routine, etc.
Vary the method of lesson presentation.
Increase use of partner/buddy throughout the day to help focus attention to task, check understanding of directions, assist with recording of assignments on assignment calendar, practice/review spelling words, times tables, etc.
Provide tasks/tests in segments so student turns in one segment before receiving the next part.
Label, highlight, underline, and add color to important parts of tasks.
Provide memory aids such as number lines, pictures, tables/charts, formulas.
Have student repeat directions, restate in his/her own words.
Give both oral and visual instructions for assignments.
Increase incentive (e.g., earn points/rewards) for on-task behavior.
Require student to record assignments and monitor on daily basis.
Use mnemonics and association strategies to aid with memory.
Use melody and rhythm to help with memory of information.
Significantly increase opportunities for review and practice.