Visual Isolation - Focus Attention for Maximum Results With Minimum Efforts
Visual isolation simply means limiting the student's field of vision to primarily materials needed to perform the task at hand.
It is a quick simple technique that can have some very substantial results.
We use the term visual isolation to refer to minimizing both the number of distracting objects in the student's line of sight, and the magnetism or attractiveness of the visible objects.
If your son who loves video games can see his brand new video game on pause by just slightly turning his head, that game is like a magnet drawing his attention away from that math homework.
In general, video games should not be left on "pause" while the student is doing homework.
The temptation to at least look at it is simply too great..
By removing as many of these visual distractions as you can you make it much easier for your student to concentrate on the homework at hand.
One way to do this, for example, would be to put the video game console inside a media cabinet with doors that close.
Another possibility is to put a cover over it.
If the game is left on "pause", you can bet his mind will drift back to that game while he is conjugating those Spanish verbs.
Now if your student is performing to his maximum potential and has no issues with concentration, focus, or getting the homework and studying done on time, you will not need this technique.
If the student is sitting at a clean desk which has all the tools and materials he needs to do his work, and nothing extra, that is the ideal.
Many students can work with a few appealing or friendly objects around as long as the objects do not have that magnetic draw on the student's attention.
If you are in doubt you can see if your student's teachers feel s/he is performing up to potential.
If you are getting reports that the student is having trouble focusing in class, then clearing the space where s/he does homework can be very helpful.
You want to work out with your student which things will be moved permanently and which will be moved for the homework time only and then put back on the desk.
Things can be put on the floor out of sight or behind the student while s/he is working.
Then they can be quickly put back when the homework time is over.
A bankers box from your local office supply store can be handy for a quick clearing of the student's work space.
In general you will find your student will study and complete assignments more quickly and effectively in a visually clear space.
Professional organizers can be extremely helpful if you want to redesign your child or teen's space for maximum focus and general usability.
They will come in and work with you and your child or teen to reorganize his or her workspace entirely.
This could be a great inspiration to you and your student and it will usually improve school performance.
It is a quick simple technique that can have some very substantial results.
We use the term visual isolation to refer to minimizing both the number of distracting objects in the student's line of sight, and the magnetism or attractiveness of the visible objects.
If your son who loves video games can see his brand new video game on pause by just slightly turning his head, that game is like a magnet drawing his attention away from that math homework.
In general, video games should not be left on "pause" while the student is doing homework.
The temptation to at least look at it is simply too great..
By removing as many of these visual distractions as you can you make it much easier for your student to concentrate on the homework at hand.
One way to do this, for example, would be to put the video game console inside a media cabinet with doors that close.
Another possibility is to put a cover over it.
If the game is left on "pause", you can bet his mind will drift back to that game while he is conjugating those Spanish verbs.
Now if your student is performing to his maximum potential and has no issues with concentration, focus, or getting the homework and studying done on time, you will not need this technique.
If the student is sitting at a clean desk which has all the tools and materials he needs to do his work, and nothing extra, that is the ideal.
Many students can work with a few appealing or friendly objects around as long as the objects do not have that magnetic draw on the student's attention.
If you are in doubt you can see if your student's teachers feel s/he is performing up to potential.
If you are getting reports that the student is having trouble focusing in class, then clearing the space where s/he does homework can be very helpful.
You want to work out with your student which things will be moved permanently and which will be moved for the homework time only and then put back on the desk.
Things can be put on the floor out of sight or behind the student while s/he is working.
Then they can be quickly put back when the homework time is over.
A bankers box from your local office supply store can be handy for a quick clearing of the student's work space.
In general you will find your student will study and complete assignments more quickly and effectively in a visually clear space.
Professional organizers can be extremely helpful if you want to redesign your child or teen's space for maximum focus and general usability.
They will come in and work with you and your child or teen to reorganize his or her workspace entirely.
This could be a great inspiration to you and your student and it will usually improve school performance.
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