<p>If it is helpful to discuss homework mistakes, do it after the class where it’s due. Checking answers with him before that class may encourage behavior that, while well-intentioned, may lead to future cheating. At this age, which is still young but developmentally focused on some autonomy, many kids prefer their parents to stay out of things unless asked (and we are also asked to stay in the car: they don’t want to have parents at all!).</p>
<p>Mental math is great, but it is good training for the more difficult math ahead, to get into the habit of writing things down. Is the mental math part of a problem with having patience and focus enough to do things carefully?</p>
<p>His brain is under construction at the moment. Good to remember. Personally, I think middle-schoolers mainly need to eat, sleep and grow! Hormones are surging every few seconds, too.</p>
<p>But it does sound as if a neuro-psych. evaluation might help clarify things for this student. The fact that he does work all at once before class is not inconsistent with an attention problem, not at all. Hyperfocus and doing things just before a deadline are both part of ADHD/ADD behavior. Not saying that he has that, but some of the things he is doing or not doing might point in that direction. Believe me, time will tell, but it can be helpful to get in there earlier rather than later, whether for ADHD, slow processing or any other learning issues.</p>
<p>Agree that grade level or above grade level are not that meaningful.</p>