Focusing on school work...?

Question

I've always had trouble focusing on school work.. (i.e.) I can read all paragraph, but if it's not interesting enough.. I will just read through it but not think about what I am reading.and it's like I have to read through it a couple times just for it to register in my head. Is that normal? I find that the harder the work is, the less I can concentrate on it. I am easily distracted, but that has never effected me to the point where I lose ALL concentration.

My question really is...

What have you done to help this?

Answer 1

I kinda have this same problem... And I hate it!!

What I do is I just read, reread, reread, and over and over again until I really understand it. Just try to block everything out of your mind and try to read and comprehend it.

Trust me, it works!!

Good luck!! :-)

Answer 2

Yea that is totally normal. That happens to me ALL the time! If im reading through but Im not remembering/paying attention to what I read, I read through it again but i tell myself that if I dont pay attention this time then im going to HAVE to read it again and that I need to get it done now.

Answer 3

Hi TEEna,

Yours is a common problem. I assume you are somewhere around 11-14 years old? I teach middle school and many of my students are like you. This is what we always tell the students-find something you like to read (even if it's comics or a CD label). The more you read, the better you get and the more patience you will develop.

Do your best to find a quiet place to read with no temptations (cell phone, computer, you know what I mean) so you can concentrate. Promise yourself to read for a certain amount of time (if you are in middle school, you should be able to read 20-30 minutes straight). Set the kitchen timer if you want. And when you are done, reward yourself!

I find the reason many kids can't concentrate on reading is because they aren't good readers yet. Get better at reading stuff you love, and you will find that all other reading (the boring stuff) will come easier to you.

What's my proof? Well, I was always an avid reader, but both my sisters hated reading. Over time, to get better jobs and make more money, they had to do research, read a lot to keep up with work. Now they both love to read. And they are both very successful.

The only solution is to keep on reading.

If you have trouble paying attention when people talk to you, or watching tv, or following along with a movie, you may have an attention condition. Talk to your parents about seeing your guidance counselor or visiting a family psychiatrist so you can be evaluated.

I hope you will take comfort in knowing you are very normal and will find the ambition to work through it. I don't know you at all, but many of my students love the Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series books. They are fast moving, even though long, and are about teens.  

Answer 4

wow, that's so me, especially in history, boy o boy, I can read 5 pages in class out loud, and not get 1 thing straight when my teacher asks questions....

Answer 5

that's normal

i suggest sitting in a quiet place where you can focus without any distraction  

Answer 6

I would suggest trying to relate it to something you like (readings) but to stay interested I would use different color highlighters to hightlight main points , and examples, and writing notes with gel pens or markers . This helps some people but not all. However taking notes is a great way to stay interested because it demands that you pay attention and keep up not to mention its a great study tool for later.