Mr. Federinko Shares What Solution Helps Him Focus

Concentrating on difficult tasks like studying or doing homework can be a real pain. When I’m writing, I often drift into random thoughts and before I know it, I’m texting a friend, and I’ve forgotten to finish what I was writing.

 
I’ve experimented with different solutions to this problem, and I’ve settled on music and ambient sounds. This solution may not work for everyone, but I believe that it can work for many. Your environment can be distracting, but when using the right combination of sounds, you can better focus on what is in front of you rather than around you.

A simple YouTube search can turn up hours of concentration music. My favorite focus stations include genres like smooth jazz, classical, and movie and video game soundtracks. Make sure to avoid music with lyrics or catchy beats.

Mrs. Byrne introduced me to a website called “Ambient Mixer,” which allows users to select background sounds that can be calming and could increase focus. My students and I prefer the “thunderstorm” and “fireplace” categories. Be sure to select a track that lasts for a long time. That way you’re not choosing new tunes to play every few minutes, which can distract you from your work.

 
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Woodlynde School is a private, co-ed college prep day school located in suburban Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, that serves intelligent, talented students with learning differences in grades K - 12. Woodlynde provides a comprehensive, evidence-based Kindergartenelementarymiddle and high school program in a challenging yet nurturing environment for students with average to above average cognitive abilities (IQ) who have language- or math-based learning differences (such as Dyslexia, Dysgraphia or Dyscalculia), Executive Function Challenges, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), or Auditory Processing Disorder. Even for those students without a diagnosed learning disability (LD), Woodlynde offers expert and caring teachers in small classroom settings that support academic success. Woodlynde School also offers a post-graduate (PG) program in partnership with Rosemont College as well as a regional Summer Camp for students who learn differently.