A free newsletter by BJ Madewell
DIAGNOSIS ADD ADHD Now What?
Published 10th, 20th & 30th of each month
PLEASE SEE DISCLAIMER AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT!
October 30, 2002
Happy Halloween
HINTS FOR SUCCESS
Organization hints
It is imperative that ADDers be able to organize their "stuff".
At home, teach them how to keep their toys, clothes and study area structured. Take the time to assist with developing a place for toys. Categorize them, put them in tubs or boxes, preferably with lids. Arrange clothes in drawers and the closet by type of clothes. At the beginning of EACH MONTH or week if needed, assist the child in sorting out and disposing of unwanted and/or unnecessary toys and clothes. If you're up to it, have a garage sale and make a little money or donate the unwanted items to a homeless shelter or some such organization.
The study area HAS TO BE kept neat with needed supplies handy. If you don't have a desk - get a "study box" to keep necessary items in one spot.
Learning Strategies
First, find out what your child's best mode of learning is. If your child is on an IEP, the person who tested your child should KNOW which learning modality (visual, auditory, kinesthetic) is most beneficial for your child to have information presented.
The following skills are a partial list of basic skills necessary for success in school. Find/take the time to be sure your ADDer is proficient in these needed areas.
Using an assignment sheet or calendar.
Having a folder at school for homework worksheets, completed assignments and unfinished work is crucial. Color coding these folders is quite helpful.
Writing headings on EVERY assignment. You'd be surprised at the number of students who turn is wonderful work without their name on it. This really irritates teachers!
Know how to ask for help and follow through. Many students are not aware that they don't actually understand, especially those with auditory processing problems. Role play - giving bogus directions and having your ADDer ask for clarification. TEACH them how to ask - i.e., waiting until the teacher says "Any questions?" - Determining a time to "safely" interrupt the teacher - many teachers get quite aggravated when a student asks for help at inopportune times. This is a skill many ADDers are quite poor at. What happens is after a while, students stop asking for help due to teacher's negative looks or exasperated sighs and/or comments. Be sure the teacher is counseled to realize the ADDer many need directions repeated up to 6 times. Put it on the child's 504 plan or IEP if necessary.
Encourage neatness. Make up some worksheets (or use the child's actual papers) to demonstrate neatness vs. messiness. Teachers are charged with checking an enormous amount of paper work. Be aware that your child's paper might be checked late on a Sunday night when the teacher is tired. Struggling to check messy work may cause him/her to grade the assignment lower. It shouldn't be that way, but it is.
Kindness towards the teacher. This is a well kept secret of highly successful students. Coach your child to greet the teacher pleasantly each day - upon entering and leaving the classroom. Writing quick thank you notes to the teacher also will raise your child's image with the teacher. Yes, a positive note from YOU is appreciated too! We teachers need to have positive re-enforcement occasionally.
Turn in assignments. Amazingly, many ADDers successfully
complete their assignments but the work lays around the house, gets left in book bags,
etc. Encourage the use of a FINISHED WORK folder and TEACH the student to use
it!
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Teach the above skills and it will assist your ADDer. Remember, doing it once is definitely not enough times. These skills must be reviewed often - weekly is probably the minimum.
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When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of then information is from classes and workshops I've taken during my 25+ years of working with ADD & ADHD students - sprinkled with my own comments, thoughts and insights
Some information is acquired from the INTERNET. Be aware that not all information on the WWW is accurate. Use your own judgment. This information is not intended to replace information from your doctor, therapist, lawyer, psychologist, nutritionist or psychiatrist. Consult your child's (or your own) doctor for additional input.
Editor: BJ Madewell
Wichita, KS area
316-733-9532
FAX not available
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
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Please fwd to others who may benefit.
BJ
Madewell
