Tourette Syndrome, and specifically your tics, sometimes make it difficult for you to be in class and pay attention. Here are some ideas to make your classroom environment better and easier for you. Ask your parents to help you talk to your teacher about these ideas. If you are comfortable with the idea, you could also have your local TSA chapter do a presentation on TS in your class.

Talk to your teacher about these ideas!
* You may feel self-conscious and would prefer not sitting in the front of the room. If so, talk to your teacher about getting a seat near the front but off to one side.
* Arrange for a place to go to let tics out, such as the nurse's office, the hallway, or the bathroom. Talk to your teacher about allowing you short breaks to go there as needed. Maybe arrange a secret signal between you and your teacher to give you permission to visit your safe place for experiencing tics.
* Talk to your teacher about allowing untimed or extended-time tests.
* Talk to your teacher about taking tests in a separate room to help you concentrate better.

Homework Strategies
* Break down your assignments or homework into chunks. If you have a worksheet with three parts, start by concentrating on the first part, take a break, then do the second part, and so on.
* Use large block graph paper or ruled paper with the lines turned vertically to help in aligning numbers while doing math problems.
* Use a straight edge or slotted card to keep your reading focused.
* Use a highlighter when reading.
* If you have to memorize a list, try using a mnemonic. For example, if you need to remember the order of the planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, you could use the mnemonic, My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. The first letter of each word corresponds to the first letter of the planets, in order.
* Study in groups. That way, you can ask questions and stay focused. If you get distracted in a large group, just study with a partner or maybe two people.
* Keep a folder with all of your assignments in it.
* Use a timer to focus for a certain amount of time.

Classroom Strategies
* Keep a list of all your assignments.
* Tape lectures or lessons if you have trouble concentrating during class.
* Ask a friend if you could see his or her notes from class to make sure you wrote down everything.
* Keep your desk clear except for the materials you need for the current lesson.
* If you get distracted easily from what your teacher is saying, try lip reading. This will help you tell what your teacher is saying, as well as help you pay attention by focusing on the teacher's mouth.