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Answers to Readers' Questions on Getting Good Grades
Hyperactivity
The following 10 comments and questions have been sent in. They are listed according to date.
List of first 10 items
- Can't get myself down to study
- Was shy but now I talk too much
- 7-year old is hyperactive
- Wants to prove friends and family wrong
- Don't have any friends in new school
- Son punished for being over-active
- Has a nervous condition
- Has hyperactive son
- Get bored in class
- Article helped understanding
Can't get myself down to study
Question
January 29, 2009
Hey,
I'm in a boarding school in scotland right now. My problem is i can't get myself down to study when other people around me are going out or playing pool in the common room or other stuff like that. I tell myself i'm going to work, but i end up goin into town for a sandwich or for a walk at the beach with a friend. please help!
thanks
Sebastian - Scotland
17177
Answer
What other people around you do can affect your ability to study. You have to wonder when they study. Apparently, it is according to their own schedule and habits. Some may study late at night. Also, realize that there are others who are studying while you only see those who aren't.
The first thing to do is to get motivated by considering what sort of grades you want to get in school. Write it down and put it where you can see it every day, as a reminder.
Don't be influenced by what others are doing. I had a friend who never seemed to study and wanted me to hand out with him. It was fun until I saw my grades and realized he didn't need to get good grades, because he was going to take over his father's business when he got old enough. I stopped hanging out with him and started to study to get the grades I needed.
Learn what works best for you and pick a good time and place to study. Make it a routine and keep to that routine. It can be before or after you hang out, but you have to stick to your routine every day and do the studying you need to do.
Once you can do your studying on a regular basis, it comes easier. You still can have fun and get top grades at the same time.
Best wishes in school. I am sure you will do well.
Was shy but now I talk too much
Question
November 15, 2007
I have a story--and a question, regarding hyperactivity.
Last year, my sophomore year in high school, I was shy and introverted. I spoke to very few people and kept to myself, and people mistook that and assumed I didn't want to talk to them. This year, I've tried to open up and speak to people. My self motivation has been very effective: I talk a lot now. But now I'm finding that I am displaying certain behaviors that I don't want to be known for. For instance, I tend to monopolize conversations by saying everything about myself and not listening to others. I interrupt people's conversations to put my input. I talk fast and tend to ramble on. And a lot of the time, I end up saying too much and looking like a fool.
How can I keep a good medium? I don't want to be shy, but I don't want to look like an idiot, either. How can I control my hyperactivity socially?
Ali - USA
14786
Answer
You really aren't hyperactive. What has happened is that you opened up your personality and are more confident and relaxed with others. It is not uncommon for students to become more outgoing in their second year of school. But the big thing is that you don't want to become so self-centered that you become a bore.
Although you have a lot to say, you need to try to discipline yourself to listen to others and take interest in what they have to say. Good conversation is a skill. Part of it is asking good questions.
It is tempting to interrupt others if you have something to say, but it is also very irritating to be interrupted. Whenever I catch myself interrupting, I say, "Excuse me for interrupting. Go ahead and finish what you were going to say." That makes a better impression.
If you can establish some self-control in your talking, you will certainly have many more friends than when you were so shy, like last year.
I hope these ideas help. Let me know how things turn out.
7-year old is hyperactive
Question
April 24, 2007
My son is 7 years old. He's a great kid, but has always been highly active, even in my stomach. My son has very high grades in all of his 1st grade subjects. He also has lots of friends, but the teacher has noticed his hyperactivity. We discussed it early on in the school year and she said she could handle it. She has been very patient with him. The teacher has moved his desk so that he has more room to move around. She has asked him to calm down or sit down or control himself. She has moved his desk again to allow him more space. 7 months later, the teacher says that it's finally starting to become a problem. It's dangerous for him and the other students for him to fly around the classroom and crash into kids in the hallway line. He needs too much personal space in order not to hurt anyone. It's now becoming a problem. I always knew this would happen, but now that the teacher is complaining... what do I do? The school year is almost over, but what will happen in 2nd grade? That teacher may not tollerate him as long as the first teacher did. I don't want to yell at him and I don't want to give him meds at this point. Can you please send some tips on how to talk to my son and explain why this is a problem?
Lauren - USA
13646
Answer
A hyperactive child needs to have plenty of physical activity to burn off some of the excess energy. But also, I think it is worthwhile to explain to your son that he needs to control his behavior more, so that he doesn't disrupt the class. But still, it may be difficult for him because of his biology.
A good website for more information on hyperactivity is from the National Institute of Mental Health at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/adhd.cfm. They have a booklet you can download with information on the subject.
It might be good to bring him to a physician for an examination, to see if there are any other reasons for his hyperactive behavior. I agree that it is preferable not to put your child on medication unless absolutely necessary.
A hyperactive child can be a problem for a parent. But with care, attention and love, I am sure you will be able to slow him down, so that he isn't disruptive.
Best wishes in helping him cope.
Wants to prove friends and family wrong
Question
May 27, 2006
hi there
im a student living in a small country im in the 8th grade.I never get good grades and now im really upset about it I really need advice to get good grades and be a good person.I really want to prove my freinds and family wrong and that i can be really good at my studies.
Aish - Maldives
11201
Answer
You have made a good start by being concerned and wanting to do better. I am sure you know that you can do much better than you have been doing. But it sounds like your friends and family don't think you can do better. They probably tell you that too, making it worse.
Well, that is a good motivation to prove them wrong and show how good you can do. but more important is that you feel much better when you perform and act in a way that makes you proud of yourself.
Write down your goals of the grades you want to get and describe the type of person you would like to be. It is good to have these goals written down, because then it makes them real. If you have them written on a piece of paper that you can look at every few days, it will remind your to keep on course.
Think of some things you have been doing in school that have probably caused your grades to be low. Do you skip homework? Do you give the teacher a hard time? Or are there some other things you may do that could affect your grades. Then, don't do that any more. If you know what is hurting you, avoid it.
One thing to do is to change your email address. "voodoo killa" may sound cool, but it also creates a negative image in your mind each time your write it.
Look over our lessons for ideas to work more effectively in school to help you get better grades. I can tell right now that you are on the right track to excel in school and make your family proud of you.
Don't have any friends in new school
Question
February 26, 2006
hi, im a sophmore in highschool. and i thimk i have adhd. i dont have any friends at my new school, lost my friends at my old school, have trouble paying attention in class, have trouble expalining how i feel and often get into fights with my engish teacher. im not diagnosed for anything but i think its highly possible that i have adhd or am just hyperactive. but the thing is i dont relly think im hyper active because im realy shy and dont talk a lot at school my symptoms lean more toward add and adhd. Could you help me out or help me get tested to see if i have add or adhd. cuz my teacher just thinks im crazy. and i dont want to get help from my parents. so plz help!
Maryam - USA
10235
Answer
It is really tough to change schools and lose all your old friends. Another thing is that many of the kids at your new school have been together for a number of years, so that makes you a big outsider. Plus, there may even be different styles of clothes than at your old school. You have an uphill battle to fit in, but it is only temporary.
The fact that you are having trouble paying attention has more to do with adjusting to the new environment than in possible ADHD. I remember when I changed schools. After the first semester, the teacher sent me to the class for retards and trouble-makers. It actually turned out to be a good move, because I didn't like that other teacher anyways.
Realize that it may take a little while to fit in with the new kids. Don't try to get in with the popular students or the "in crowd". Perhaps look for some shy student to befriend. That can be a starter. Also, you might join some club or activity in school. That is a good way to get to know other students. Also, if you are somewhat hyperactive, they may enjoy your energy if you volunteer for some tasks.
As far as your English teacher goes, it is best to cool it and keep a low profile in that class. It isn't worth arguing with the teacher. You just want to get a good enough grade to move on.
It is unlikely that you have ADHD, especially since you had friends at your old school. Just try to get to know a few people and join in on some activities, and you will slowly fit in. Soon, you'll be doing better in your school work and in your social life.
I hope these ideas help. Best wishes in making the adjustment, and let me know how things turn out.
Son punished for being over-active
Question
February 5, 2006
We live in Greece, on the island of Kefalonia.
The schooling system in Greece is an oddity to me as I was brought up in England.
My son will be seven in May. He is overly-energetic. His teacher seems to be climbing the walls, because of his lack of attentiveness in class, with the result that he gives him a page and a half of copying each day.
I cannot see that this kind of treatment will help him in any way apart from making him hate school.
I feel I should approach his teacher,but am not sure what to say to her.
Can you help?
Thanks
Helen
Helen - Greece
9952
Answer
Some schools and teachers are not prepared to deal with hyperactive children. Often they simply think the child is misbehaving and try to punish him into submission.
Also, the education system in Greece probably tries to follow strict rules and conformity, as opposed to the system in the UK.
It would be worth talking with the teacher and letting her know that your son has a "medical problem" causing him to be overly active. Ask her if she has any suggestions on how to help him in class. Also say you are trying to get him to be more attentive and such. Show that you are concerned about her problems and get her on your side. Don't mention the copying assignments at this time.
But also, it might be good to have your son see a specialist to check on his situation. If it is something that can be easily remedied, it would be good for all involved.
Best wishes on working things out. Let me know what happens.
Has a nervous condition
Question
August 8, 2004
I came to know from your website that I am a Hyperactive personality. This is the possible cause of my nervous behaviour. I have been a nervous personality throughout my life. But could not realise what could be the possible cause of my nervous behavour. Now I know it is because iam hyperactive. I am working on this.
Thanks to you for helping me figure out the solution to my personality disorder.
navin - India
3957
Answer
Being hyperactive certainly can cause a person to seem nervous. But someone can be nervous from pushing too hard and trying to do too much. Everyone needs to take a break and enjoy the world around them.
I am glad you are on the way to improving yourself. But do not think of it as a personality disorder. In fact, think that you are lucky you are this way, because when you are able to have more control over your nervousness, you should be a special person.
Best wishes in being a champion.
Has hyperactive son
Question
July 29, 2004
I have a five year old son. He is ver hyeractive. But he is very smart for his age. You can get him to do the work, but a one point he seem to can not keep still. I also notice he does not take following directions good at times.Some times he can be good than 85% of the time his behavior is horrible. His teacher even said to me that this may interfer with his learning. What can I do as a mother to get him to relax and take things slow?
vandora - USA
3876
Answer
Boys that age always seem to be squirming and moving about. Sometimes they hear the directions, even if they don't seem to be listening. But paying attention to the wrong things can result in not listening.
Playing outside is much better to burn off excess energy than watching TV. At home, giving him a little extra love and a hug can often calm a child down.
A smart child often needs many things to stimulate the mind. Some children and adults are thinking of several things at one time. Learning to focus can be a chore.
See "Teaching Hyperactive Children" for some ideas on this:
http://www.school-for-champions.com/education/hyperactive.htm.
I hope these ideas help. I am sure your son will do fine.
Get bored in class
Question
September 16, 2003
I think its a good article, but at the same time I am a college studunt who is hyperactive and it's hard to get motivated in the classrooom or like what we are doing becuase all we do is sit and the teacher talks and I quickly lose interest. Do you have any suggestions, becuase I don't mean to rude to my teachers but I very much dislike the classroom atmosphere of sitting all day.
Amy -
542
Answer
Good teachers have interaction with the students. But many just lecture.
That can be very boring.
If the material the teacher is presenting is important, taking notes is a good way to keep interested. But also, you can have a second page in the notebook, where you are writing down other thoughts or working on other homework. In this way, you can do two things at once, but yet keep in tune enough just in case you are asked a question.
Taking notes in class is a good practice in college in any case.
One thing to remember is that you (or your parents) are paying for your education. You want to get your money's worth and learn things that are useful to you or are required to get a degree. So, trying things to make the class more interesting or to at least get stuff done is in your best interests.
On the other hand, if you don't like the classroom atmosphere, perhaps you should get into something more physical that you like to do. Get some plans for the future and move in the direction that suits you best.
I hope these ideas help, and best wishes in what you do.
Article helped understanding
Question
May 1, 2002
Mr. Kurtus,
I am a 10th grade student and have had difficulty throughout my junior high and high school times. I was diagnosed with A.D.D. about two years ago and have found the medication I have tried to be ineffective or even make me feel depressed. Reading your article on how to Harness Your Hyperactivity really helped me better understand my condition and made me feel better about myself. A couple days ago I have moved on my problem and contacted my counselor and notified my parents. I am starting to go down the right road. I just wanted to thank you for your information. Have a nice day.
Sincerely,
Miles Dillon
Woodinville, WA
PS. You can email me back if you would like, id really appreciate it so i would know that you got my thank you.
Miles -
181
Answer
I’m glad the material was useful to you and am excited that you are on your way to overcome your challenges and become a champion.
Best wishes in your endeavors and keep me informed on your progress.
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