Ms. Rubbo came into my class 2 today to do a Guidance lesson on LISTENING.  Kids had to listen to a story while drawing a map of directions from Knapp to their home.  They also "tried" to listen to another story while 3 classmates walked, stomped, and made noises around the room.  Each time Ms. Rubbo "quizzed" them after to see how much they remembered. 

The lesson proved that it is hard to focus when there is music, talking, or any other distractions in the background.  They also talked about how some music can be good background sound, "white noise", that CAN HELP kids focus.  It is also important to note that it is hard to multitask.  The children discussed how it is even hard for them to think and talk or read and talk.  Therefore, they will try to find a quiet place to read and do homework and not have the television playing in the background as it could lead to a distraction.

I sometimes leave my television on while I am grading.  I too find that it takes me twice as long to grade because for 10 minutes I am watching and then for another 10 minutes I'm grading.  I am not really multitasking, instead I am watching then grading, watching then grading and so on.  I also do better when the television is off so this is a great lesson for kids to take with them through school and adulthood.  I also do envy those that have selective hearing and can read a book on a large, crowded bus.  I will keep trying. :)