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Ask Sam

Topic Concentration 

Question

To Sam 

21/05/2011 12:29am 

Concentration 

Hello

I've noticed that in all of my lessons now I cant concentrate AT ALL. im pretty sure im failing classes because of this. I just go off and i can hear the teachers voice, but it means nothing to me. I get distracted easily, and when i read a book i have to read the page over again. I feel so stupid. And i always get picked on by my teachers in my lessons because im really quiet. And i just can't concentrate.

Should i tell somebody? im worried.

Sam's answer

Sam 

01/06/2011 11:07am 

Hi there

Thanks for your letter – it sounds like you’re feeling frustrated that you’re finding things hard at school at the moment and feel like you’re failing classes.

You say that you feel stupid, but being distracted easily and not being able to concentrate (on what teachers are saying or what you read) is not a sign of stupidity.

Sometimes it can be really hard to focus on what’s going on in classes and work if there’s a lot going on in other parts of your life.  You say that you’ve noticed your difficulties with concentrating in all of your lessons now, and this sounds like it might have been happening more recently.  Maybe you can have a think about what else might have been going on for you recently and whether this is affecting how you are in class.

You also say that teachers pick on you in class because you’re really quiet.  Teachers should be there to support you and your learning and, if you feel that they’re not doing this by, for example, putting you on the spot when you’re not ready then maybe you could think about trying to explain to them that you find this difficult.

You ask if you should tell someone.  Talking about what’s going on for you to an adult that you trust can help.  But when you say that you’re worried it also sounds like you’re a little unsure about doing this.  What do you imagine might happen if you did tell someone?  Maybe you could think about the good and bad things that might happen if you did this.

Remember that, whatever it is you want to talk about, you can always talk to someone at ChildLine through email, 1-2-1 chat or by phone (0800 1111).  ChildLine counsellors are here to listen to and support you and, can work with you to think of options that you might find useful.

Take care

Sam

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