By Noa J. Nickels

When your teacher is absent, getting work done can be difficult for a variety of reasons. Most likely, cell phones are the biggest distraction from the work you have assigned. But that is not the only reason. When you are not with your teacher it is easier to be sidetracked by friends, technology, or even the room itself.

I have come up with three methods to help stay focused:

  1. Turn your phone off and put it away
    Putting your phone away or shutting it down can eliminate a large distraction and allow you to focus on the work at hand
  2.  Ask for help from your peers 
    Asking for help can be difficult sometimes, but if you ask the substitute or even a peer for help, it can help you focus on the work assigned by your teacher.
  3. Sit where you won’t be distracted
    It can be tempting to sit next to friends but doing so can distract you or prevent you from completing assigned work.