Focus in school

My daughter is 11 and we have struggled all through elementary with her ability to stay focused and stay on task during the school day.  There are times she is able to focus on certain subjects that she is interested in (Art, Music, Science).  

The problem is very evident in math. She tunes out during class. Now that she is in Middle School, I am very concerned she is going to fall behind.  

Are there any exercises we can do at home to improve her ability to focus?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

The most important thing to do now is to have her evaluated for a possible disorder of attention. Even children who have such a condition can sustain their attention under conditions of high motivation, but in the absence of such motivation they can struggle. The reason for undergoing the evaluation is to determine the nature of her problem with attention. There can be a number of reasons for inattention. One, but only one, is a manifestation of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. The fact that her struggle has occurred over a number of years lends some support to the probability that the attention problem is indeed due to ADHD. If it is, it can be treated. If she is diagnosed with ADHD she might benefit from an in-home computer-based program called Cogmed Working Memory Training (most children who display ADHD also display problems with working memory - addressing the working memory deficiency enhances their attention). See the company's web site Cogmed.com for a thorough examination of the program and pay particualr attention to the research that has been conducted on the five-week program.