Academic and Behavioral Interventions

19 Techniques to Help Learners Who Have Difficulty Reading or Following Written Instructions

Are you looking for techniques to help students who have difficulty reading or following written instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Follow up a less desirable task with a highly desirable task. Make the conclusion of the first task appropriate to finish the second task.

2. Minimize distracting stimuli in their surroundings to enable the student’s capacity and ability to follow written instructions (e.g., place the student on the front row, give the student a table or “office” space away from distractions, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

3. Praise those students in the classroom who follow written instructions.

4. Create tasks/learning activities for following written instructions (e.g., informal learning activities designed to have the student carry out instructions in steps, increasing the level of difficulty).

5. Record instructions for the student to listen to individually and replay as appropriate.

6. Utilize visual signals in written instructions (e.g., green dot to start, red dot to stop, arrows, etc.).

7. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

8. Show instructions in both written and oral format.

9. Get the student to read written instructions to their teacher.

10. Provide instructions in an assortment of ways to enable the student’s comprehension (e.g., if the student fails to understand written instructions, present them orally).

11. Converse with the student to explain (a) what they are doing wrong (e.g., not following written instructions) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., following written instructions).

12. Place the student near the source of the written instructions (e.g., teacher, aide, peer, smartboard, projector, etc.).

13. Make the student wait until the teacher gives them a signal to begin the task (e.g., hand signal, ring bell, etc.).

14. Utilize vocabulary that is within the student’s level of comprehension when delivering instructions, explanations, and information.

15. Get the student to repeat to themselves information just read to help them remember the essential facts.

16. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., following written instructions) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

17. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

18. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

19. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills

21 Ways to Help Kids Who Have Trouble Reading or Following Written Instructions

Are you looking for ways to help kids who have trouble reading or following written instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Provide a consistent format for written instructions.

2. Provide written instructions before handing out learning materials.

3. Provide visibility to and from the student. The teacher and the student should be able to see each other at all times. Make eye contact possible at all times.

4. Complete the first few problems of a task with the student to make sure that they accurately follow the written instructions

5. Select a peer to help the student with any written instructions are not grasped.

6. Require that tasks done incorrectly, for any reason, be redone.

7. Minimize written instructions to individual steps (e.g., give the student each additional step after the conclusion of the prior step).

8. Highlight, circle, or underline keywords (e.g., match, circle, underline, etc.) in written instructions.

9. Select a peer to model how to properly follow written instructions for the student.

10. As the student becomes more successful in following instructions, slowly increase the level of difficulty or complexity of written instructions.

11. Connect with parents to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for following written instructions at school.

12. Practice following written instructions on nonacademic tasks (e.g., recipes, games, etc.).

13. Get the student to carry out written instructions one step at a time and check with the teacher to make sure that each step is successfully finished before trying the next.

14. Organize their surroundings (e.g., peer tutoring, instructions for work sent home, frequent interactions, etc.) to give the student increased chances for help or assistance on academic tasks.

15. Make sure that the print is bold and large enough to enable the student’s success in following written instructions.

16. Make sure the student has all the learning materials needed to finish the task or learning experience .

17. Give the student a quiet space (e.g., carrel, study booth, etc.) where they may go to take part in learning activities that require following written instructions.

18. Talk regularly with the student to help them follow written instructions.

19. Make sure that the student is paying attention to the teacher (e.g., eye contact, hands free of writing learning materials, looking at task, etc.) before giving written instructions.

20. Provide the student one task to finish at a time. Present the next task only when the student has successfully finished the prior task.

21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills

21 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Reading or Following Written Instructions

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble reading or following written instructions? If so, keep reading.

1. Create classroom rules: • Complete every assignment. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

2. Provide a predetermined signal (e.g., clapping hands, turning lights off and on, etc.) before giving written instructions.

3. Get the student to keep a record (e.g., chart or graph) of their performance in following written instructions.

4. Give the student a copy of written instructions at their desk in addition to on the smartboard, posted in the classroom, etc.

5. Give the student a voice recording of written instructions.

6. Make sure the student achieves success when following written instructions.

7. Transfer instructions from textbooks and workbooks when images or other stimuli make it complicated to pay attention to or follow written instructions.

8. Get the student to question any written directions, explanations, or instructions they do not understand.

9. Make sure that instructions are given at a level at which the student can be successful (e.g., two-step or three-step directions should not be given to students who only know how to successfully follow one-step directions).

10. Stop the student from becoming over stimulated (e.g., frustrated, angry, etc.) by a learning experience .

11. Make sure that written instructions are presented on the student’s reading level.

12. Assess the clarity and quality of written directions, explanations, and instructions given to the student.

13. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Competitive learning activities may cause the student to hurry to begin the task without following written instructions.

14. Teach the student written direction-following skills (e.g., read carefully, write down essential points, ask for clarification, wait until all instructions are received before beginning, etc.).

15. Give clearly stated written instructions (i.e., make the instructions as simple and concrete as possible).

16. Place the student far enough away from peers to enable them to pay attention to written instructions.

17. Provide all instructions, questions, and explanations concisely and at an appropriate rate for the student.

18. Praise the student for following written instructions based on the duration of time the student can be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the duration of time required for reinforcement.

19. Praise the student for following written instructions: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

20. Get the student to practice following written instructions on nonacademic tasks (e.g., recipes, games, etc.).

21. Consider using AI to teach reading comprehension.

22. Consider using Alexa to teach reading skills.

23. Try using one of our many apps designed to teach literacy skills and help students with reading issues:

10 Apps That Teach Your Child to Read

7 Must-Have Apps to Make Learners Love Reading

7 Must-Have Phonics Apps and Tools

9 Reading Apps and Tools for the Elementary Classroom

The Tech Edvocate’s List of 24 Literacy Apps, Tools & Resources

10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills

20 Innovative Techniques to Help Kids Realize Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for innovative techniques to help kids realize their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Show instructions in the student’s preferred learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, etc.).

2. Have tasks read to the student.

3. Coordinate a time for the student to study with a peer tutor before finishing a task to be graded.

4. Praise those students in the classroom who show improvement on academic tasks and homework performance.

5. Draft an agreement with the student stipulating what behavior is required (e.g., finishing a task with_% accuracy) and which reinforcement will be implemented when the agreement has been met.

6. Give a time during the day when the student can receive assistance at school if they have difficulty finishing homework tasks with minimal accuracy.

7. Place the student near the source of information to keep their attention (e.g., in the front row or near the speaker during a lecture).

8. Observe the student’s performance to detect errors and determine where learning problems exist.

9. Manage tasks by dividing them into small segments. Designate a deadline for each segment and reward the student after finishing each segment of the task.

10. Converse with the student to explain (a) what he/she is doing wrong (e.g., performing below their capacity and ability level, failing tasks, etc.) and (b) what they must be doing (e.g., improving their academic task and homework performance).

11. Give repetition and drill to ensure that the student achieves minimal accuracy on tasks (i.e., require mastery/minimal accuracy before moving to the next skill level).

12. Select a peer to work a few problems with the student to serve as a model and help the student begin a task.

13. Do not expect mastery too soon after introducing new information, skills, etc.

14. Give the student written reminders of task sequences.

15. Provide the student written/oral repetition to aid in the retention of information.

16. Coordinate for individual tasks when the group setting is overly distracting.

17. Let the student use educational aids to assist in the conclusion of tasks (e.g., calculator, dictionary, models of tasks, etc.).

18. Get the student to use word processing programs that check spelling, grammar, etc.

19. Let/require the student to correct tasks after they have been reviewed the first time.

20. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.


28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

21 Genius Ways to Support Learners Who Are Not Reaching Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for genius ways to support students who are not reaching their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Give parents information regarding appropriate ways in which to help their child with homework (e.g., read instructions with the student, work a few problems together, answer questions, check the finished task, etc.).

2. Alter homework tasks to give practice/reinforcement of skills presented in class.

3. Get the student to orally respond to tasks.

4. Let the student respond to alternative questions (e.g., general questions that represent global comprehension).

5. Give the student sample letters, reports, forms, etc., as references for written communication.

6. Give the student self-checking learning materials. Require the student to make corrections before turning in tasks.

7. Teach the student instruction-following skills: (a) listen carefully, (b) ask questions, (c) use environmental signals, and (d) rely on examples given, etc.

8. Teach the student instruction-following skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down steps, etc.).

9. Teach the student test-taking skills (e.g., organization, etc.).

10. Teach the student information-gathering skills (e.g., listen carefully, write down essential points, ask for clarification, wait until all information is presented before starting a task, etc.).

11. Teach the student note-taking skills. Place emphasis on noting main ideas rather than details and data.

12. Talk regularly with the student to monitor their task performance.

13. Do not require the student to learn more information than they are capable of remembering at any time.

14. Give the student supplemental learning activities that offer review and repetition of skills presented to the general class population.

15. Give the student the chance to review tasks prior to them being graded.

16. Let the student record information from lectures and make notes from these recordings.

17. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

18. Assess the appropriateness of tasks designated if the student continuously fails to finish tasks with minimal accuracy.

19. Establish time at the end of each class period for the student to finish unfinished tasks.

20. Assess the appropriateness of the task to ascertain (a) if the task is too easy, (b) if the task is too complicated, and (c) if the duration of time scheduled to finish the task is sufficient.

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.


28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

21 Hacks for Encouraging Learners to Realize Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for hacks for encouraging students to realize their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Praise the student for improving academic tasks and homework performance: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., classroom privileges, free homework pass, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

2. Assess the student’s performance in an assortment of ways (e.g., have the student give oral explanations, simulations, physical demonstrations, etc.).

3. Find the student’s preferred learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, etc.) and use it continuously to enable the student’s comprehension.

4. Find resource staff members (e.g., librarian, special education teacher, other staff members with expertise or time to help, etc.) from whom the student may receive additional assistance.

5. Require the student to make corrections after tasks have been reviewed by the teacher.

6. Make sure the tasks measure knowledge of content, not related skills such as reading or writing.

7. Alter instruction to include more concrete examples to enable learning.

8. Connect with parents (e.g., notes home, phone calls, etc.) to disseminate information about the student’s progress. The parents may reinforce the student at home for improving their academic task and homework performance.

9. Give sufficient repetition/drill of ideas/skills to help the student achieve minimal accuracy on tasks (i.e., require mastery/minimal accuracy before moving to the next skill level).

10. Make the student redo tasks of poor quality if you are sure the task is within the student’s capacity and ability level.

11. Create a minimum level of accuracy that will be accepted as a level of mastery.

12. Observe the student’s performance of the first problem or part of the task to make sure the student knows what is expected.

13. Provide instructions on a one-to-one basis before assigning a task.

14. Select various people (e.g., peer, paraprofessional, tutor, counselor, etc.) to help the student improve work performance.

15. Minimize distracting stimuli (e.g., place the student in the front row, give a carrel or “office” space away from distractions, etc.). This should be used as a way to lessen distractions, not as a punishment.

16. Teach the student to practice basic study skills (e.g., reading for the main idea, note-taking, summarizing, highlighting, studying in an excellent environment, using time wisely, etc.).

17. Complete the first few problems of a task with the student to make sure that they know what to do, how to finish the task, etc.

18. Organize their surroundings to give the student increased chance for help or assistance on academic or homework tasks (e.g., give a peer tutor, seat the student near the teacher or aide, etc.).

19. Get the student to orally repeat directions, explanations, and instructions after they have been given to reinforce retention.

20. Let the student put a task away and return to it at a later time when they might be more successful.

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.


28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

21 Ways to Help Learners Realize Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for ways to help students realize their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Urge the student to avoid ingesting any substance (e.g., drugs, alcohol, cold remedies, etc.) that might further alter their capacity and ability to perform up to their capacity and ability level.

2. Assess the clarity and quality of directions, explanations, and instructions given to the student.

3. Give the student clearly stated step-by-step instructions for homework so that someone at home may be able to assist.

4. Make sure that your remarks are in the form of constructive criticism rather than criticism that could be perceived as personal, menacing, etc., (e.g., instead of saying, “You always make the same mistake,” say, “A better way to do that might be … “).

5. Minimize the emphasis on competition. Learners who compete academically and fail to succeed may cease to try to do well and do far less than they are able.

6. Observe student performance to detect errors and determine where learning problems exist.

7. Get the student to perform complicated tasks in the resource room where the resource teacher can answer questions.

8. Build varying degrees of difficulty into tasks to build the student’s self-confidence and give a challenge (e.g., easier problems are intermingled with problems designed to measure knowledge gained).

9. Give the student evaluative feedback for tasks finished (i.e., find what the student did successfully, what errors were made, and what should be done to correct the errors).

10. Get the student to prepare for tests using the “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why” format.

11. Create tests and exams for the student using the “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why” format.

12. Assess the appropriateness of giving the student tasks that require copying if the student’s capacity and ability level make it impossible for them to finish the task.

13. Give time at school for homework to be finished or redone if designated homework has not been finished or has resulted in failure. (The student’s failure to finish homework tasks may be the result of variables in the home over that they have no control.)

14. Alter academic tasks (e.g., format, requirements, length, etc.).

15. Give instruction and task format in an assortment of ways (e.g., oral instructions, written instructions, demonstrations, simulations, manipulatives, drill learning activities with peers, etc.).

16. Give an assortment of formats for the student to learn information (e.g., videotapes, visitors, community resources, etc.).

17. Provide shorter tasks more regularly. As the student shows success, increase the length of the tasks, and decrease the frequency.

18. Make sure the student has mastery of the ideas at each level before introducing a new skill level.

19. Let the student highlight essential information in written learning materials.

20. Get the student to read their written work out loud when proofing.

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.


28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

21 Strategies to Help Learners Who Have Trouble Realizing Their Academic Potential

Are you looking for strategies to help students who have trouble realizing their academic potential? If so, keep reading.

1. Create classroom rules: • Remain on-task. • Complete assignments quietly. • Remain in your seat. • Finish tasks. • Meet task expectations. Examine rules often. Praise students for following the rules.

2. Show ideas following the (1) Who, (2) What, (3) Where, (4) On occasions where, (5) How, and (6) Why outline.

3. Get the student to teach a concept they have learned to another student as reinforcement.

4. Give the student an assortment of tasks. Require them to choose a minimum number from the total amount to finish (e.g., present the student with 10 academic tasks from which they must finish 6 that day).

5. Assess student performance in an assortment of ways (e.g., have the student give oral explanations, simulations, physical demonstrations, etc.).

6. Get the student to create a flowchart of the steps appropriate to finish a task.

7. Get the student to keep a chart representing the number of tasks they have finished and the accuracy rate of each task.

8. Record tasks and let the student replay questions as often as appropriate.

9. Get the student to practice a task with the teacher, aide, or a peer before finishing the task independently for a grade.

10. Record the tasks and let the student listen to instructions as often as appropriate.

11. Provide a consistent format and expectation for tasks.

12. Get the student to listen and take notes following the “Who, What, Where, On occasions where, How, and Why” format when ideas are presented.

13. Reinforce all measures of improvement.

14. Get the student to question any directions, explanations, or instructions not grasped before starting a task to reinforce comprehension.

15. Assess the appropriateness of assigning homework to the student.

16. Do not grade every task finished by the student. Assignments may be used to assess student capacity and ability or knowledge and give feedback. Grades may not need to be designated until mastery/minimal accuracy has been attained.

17. Give frequent interactions and encouragement to build the student’s confidence and optimism for success (e.g., make statements such as “You’re doing great,” “Keep up the excellent work,” “I’m really proud of you,” etc.).

18. Make sure that homework tasks do not present new ideas but relate to ideas already taught.

19. Provide the student with alternative tasks. As the student shows success, slowly introduce more components of the regular tasks.

20. Have reference learning materials readily available in the classroom (e.g., dictionary, thesaurus, list of regularly misspelled words, etc.).

21. Consider using one of the apps and tools from our many app lists. These apps are designed to help students who are experiencing academic difficulties.


28 of the Best Apps for Kids in Kindergarten28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the First Grade

39 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Second Grade

53 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Third Grade37 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fourth Grade

25 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Fifth Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Sixth Grade

35 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Seventh Grade

28 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eight Grade

27 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Ninth Grade33 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Tenth Grade20 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Eleventh Grade14 of the Best Apps for Kids in the Twelfth Grade

10 Innovative Ways to Get Children to Remain On Task

Are you looking for innovative ways to get children to remain on task? If so, keep reading.

1. Choose a specific duration of time (e.g., each hour on the hour, last five minutes of class, after finishing a task, etc.) when it is permissible for the student to converse with their peers.

2. Recognize the student when their hand is raised to express that assistance will be given as soon as possible.

3. Make sure the student has enough work area to perform the task.

4. Give the student shorter tasks that do not require expanded attention to be successful. As the student shows success, slowly increase the length of the tasks.

5. Praise those students in the classroom who demonstrate on-task behavior.

6. Put the student with peers who will be appropriate role models and likely to enable their academic and behavioral success.

7. Minimize distracting stimuli that could interfere with the student’s capacity and ability to remain on-task (e.g., give enough room to move without physical contact; keep noise level to a minimum; keep movement in their surroundings to a minimum; etc.).

8. Take into account individual needs of the student (e.g., hunger, need for rest, comfort level, etc.) that may be interfering with their on-task behavior. Intervene to correct the situation or change the expectations.

9. Make sure the student knows that work not done during work time must be finished at other times (e.g., lunch, during assemblies, after school, etc.).

10. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.

21 Tactics for Helping Learners Remain On Task

Are you looking for tactics for helping students remain on task? If so, keep reading.

1. Limit stimulation that interferes with the student’s capacity and ability to remain on-task (e.g., keep a routine (schedule) schedule of activities, schedule special learning activities for the end of the day, etc.).

2. Let the student leave the task and return to it at a later time when they should be more successful remaining on-task.

3. Praise the student for staying on-task in the classroom: (a) give the student a concrete reward (e.g., privileges such as leading the line, handing out learning materials, 10 minutes of free time, etc.) or (b) give the student an informal reward (e.g., praise, handshake, smile, etc.).

4. Let the student take assignments/tasks to other areas of the school where they are most likely to be able to demonstrate on-task behavior (e.g., library, study hall, learning center, etc.).

5. Give the student alternative ways to perform a task and let the student select the most desirable.

6. Utilize several modalities to accommodate more than one learning style (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile, etc.) when presenting instructions, explanations, and instructional content.

7. Select a peer, paraprofessional, etc., to signal the student when they are off-task (e.g., the person can touch the student’s hand as a signal that they are not remaining on-task).

8. Make sure that the student knows the relationship between unacceptable behavior and the consequences that follow (e.g., failure to remain on-task will result in unfinished tasks).

9. Give the student assistance for those learning activities that they have the most difficulty paying attention to for the required amount of time.

10. Give the student sufficient transition time between learning activities to increase on-task behavior after learning activities have begun (e.g., after break time, lunch, special learning activities , etc.).

11. Teach the student how to manage time until the teacher is available.

12. Give the student a timer to be used to increase the amount of time during which they maintain attention (e.g., have the student work on the learning experience until the timer goes off).

13. Give tasks that involve instant, short-term tasks.

14. Make sure the student knows what to do when they cannot successfully perform tasks (e.g., raise hand, ask for assistance, go to the teacher, etc.).

15. Give the student the chance to move to a quiet space in the classroom when auditory and visual distractions interfere with their capacity and ability to function successfully.

16. Assess the degree of task difficulty to ascertain whether the student will require additional information, time, assistance, etc., before starting a task.

17. Take the student away from a learning experience until they can demonstrate appropriate on-task behavior.

18. Make sure that all auditory and visual stimuli in the classroom are reduced as much as possible for all students.

19. Get the student’s cooperative work experience/ vocational education teacher to give them interventions to assist in remaining on-task at their job.

20. Give the student earphones to wear if auditory stimuli interfere with their capacity and ability to function. As the student functions more successfully in the presence of auditory stimuli, slowly lessen the amount of time the earphones are worn.

21. Consider using assistive technology designed to help students to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder to concentrate. Click here to view list of assistive technology apps that we recommend.