Use a timer

Why should I do it:

Some students have difficulty regulating themselves and keeping track of time in their head
Some students need more defined and predictable structure
The timer can provide motivation as the student can try to “beat” the clock
 

When should I do it:

When student has difficulty staying on task
When a student takes too long to finish a task
When a student has low motivation
 

How do I do it:

Get a small timer and place on student’s desk
For each assignment, give student several minutes to complete it
If timer is too distracting for student, keep it on your desk but show student how much time they have
You can also break up the assignment and use the timer for each portion
Challenge the student to beat the timer