Jamaica Intensive Reading Clinic

Why Some Students Struggle To Focus

Many Students are labeled as "distracted" or "not paying attention," but the truth is it's often deeper than that.

Some children struggle to focus because they are tired or not getting enough rest.
They worry about things happening at home.
They find the work too difficult or too easy
They are overstimulated by noise or distractions
They simply need more support and guidance.

As a teacher, I have learnt that focus is not just about discipline. It's about understanding the child. Before casting judgment, ask yourself: What is this child experiencing?
With patience, encouragement, and the right support, children can improve their focus.
Let's work together to support the whole child, not just the behaviour we see

Every Child can learn, just not the same way or the same time

Many children with ADHD love stories and ideas, but still struggle with reading tasks in the classroom. Why? Because the challenges they face—like impulsivity, trouble focusing, and restlessness—can get in the way of reading comprehension and engagement.

But that doesn’t mean they can’t succeed. With the right strategies, we can support their learning in meaningful ways.

Clear instructions.
Frequent breaks.
Hands-on, active learning.

These aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential for many children with ADHD.

What strategies have you found helpful when supporting a child with ADHD? Let’s share and learn together.

How autism affects literacy skills

Did you know? Reading just 20 minutes a day exposes you to 1.8 million words a year, transforming your mind and expanding your world.

Quick Facts…

Those who lack basic literacy skills are unable to perform everyday tasks, such as:

1. Sign their name on a signature line
2. Reading medication warning labels
3. Calculating the cost on an order form
4. locating streets on a map.

Of the estimated 65 million adults with below basic literacy skills:

1. 2/3 dropped out of high school
2. 25% are immigrants who don’t speak English.
3. 1/3 are age 65 or older
4. Over half live in poverty

The Jamaica Intensive Reading Clinic will be offering online literacy sessions to help students improve their literacy. Contact us to speak with a representative about our affordable pricing plans.

Why Phonological Awareness Is Important for Reading and Spelling Phonological awareness is critical for learning to read any alphabetic writing system. And research shows that difficulty with phoneme awareness and other phonological skills is a predictor of poor reading and spelling development.

Caribbean Digital Literacy Forum Series 6 with Kellie Magnus and Host Santana Morris

Speaker: Miss Kellie Magnus
Topic: "Building at home literacy experiences"

Moderator: Miss Shaniel Shakespeare

Caribbean Digital Literacy Forum Series 6 with Kellie Magnus and Host Santana Morris Host: Miss Santana Morris- Lecturer, and Executive Director at Jamaica Intensive Reading Clinic Speaker: Miss Kellie Magnus Topic: "Building at home literacy...