One teacher says one way to help a child focus while learning online, is to divide school work into smaller units of time, and allow for breaks in between.
The two new deaths in marhsall county are the only new deaths reported in north alabama today.
Some parents across north alabama are concerned about how online learning will impact students this fall-- especially children with learning disabilities like a-d-h-d.
Waay 31's casey albritton spoke to a teacher with huntsville city schools and learned what parents can do to help students stay on task.
One teacher told me one way to help a child focus while learning online, is to divide school work into smaller units of time, and allow for breaks in between.
Kimberly smilie/ mother "i had a really hard time keeping my oldest one motivated and keeping him on task."
Kimberly smilie has two sons with a-d-h-d...and says when school transitioned to virtual classes last spring, learning became difficult.
Kimberly smilie/ mother "when we're in the home environment, it's up to me to help him with the challenges he has."
She has concerns about how her children will handle online classes this fall.
Kimberly smilie/ mother "if we have more work than what he could tackle in like an hour, that it's going to be really hard to keep him motivated and sitting still."
Marianne zollar is a teacher with huntsville city schools--and has a-d-h-d herself.
She says she's been trained on how to help students who have a hard time focusing.
Marianne zollar/ teacher "for those who have this diagnosis, that sort of work can be sort of hindering for long periods of time."
Zollar says when doing online school work, a clean space can keep children from getting overwhelmed.
Marianne zollar/ teacher "an uncluttered work space with what they need, proper storage, so they know exactly where that calculator is, or that the calendar is right there for them to see."
Zollar says an organized schedule and a quiet learning environment helps.
And both zollar and smilie agree parent involvement is critical.
"it could be easy for a child, especially one with adhd to just scroll past assignments, so it would be really helpful for parents to check those assignments."
Kimberly smilie/ mother "do your best to stay patient.
Do your best to stay positive and encourage them."
Zollar tells me not every child with a-d-h-d learns the same way--so parents may need to adjust routines and activities as the school year continues.
Reporting in huntsville, casey albritton, waay 31 news.
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