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!
NOVEMBER 30, 2003
TOYS TO CONSIDER FOR ADDers
Being the editor of your own newsletter gives you some leeway in content. (Ha ha) I’d planned on doing this newsletter on interventions, accommodations etc. -- but, as I was shopping I got an AHA experience and decided to postpone that issue and write about toys for ADDers.
I have no “evidence” these toys will be loved by your ADD child but my reasons for suggesting them make sense to me.
POGO STICK
I, personally, haven’t seen many of these around lately but I recall hours of fun on one when I was in the 4th grade. It seems to promote balance, sustained concentration, and rhythm.
STILTS
Stilts are a blast!! My dad made me some out of 2 x 4s and hammered on some footrests. Again, good for balance and concentration.
YO-YO
Be sure you don’t scrimp on the price of a yo-yo if you get one. The cheap ones -- I’ve found -- are difficult to do tricks will. Also, even though the” automatic return type” (they have a clutch) returns easily on its own, they too, are not as easy to “walk the dog" with.
Did you know that, historically, the yo-yo was used to
relieve stress?
I think they’re a lot of fun. I've noticed student's self esteem climbing as
they master tricks.
PICK-UP STICKS
Promotes patience, concentration, eye-hand co-ordination, taking turns etc.
CHECKERS (“regular & Chinese")
A truly fun way to learn logic. Take some time to show kids how to “think ahead."
CHESS
Many teachers of gifted students use chess to foster higher level thinking skills. It is my contention that ADD and ADHD kids are really smart and if you have the patience to stick with it, they can probably become expert chess players. One of my most hyperactive, unmedicated students would stop his antics long enough to beat me at chess. (Used as a reward for completing assignments -- worked with him!!!)
HULA HOOPS
OK those of you who used these in the 50s and 60s KNOW they will foster patterning and rhythms. Kids can learn to “get in touch” with their bodies with hula-hoops.
RAIL WALKING
Did you ever walk the rails as a kid growing up? I did. It was a challenge to see who could stay on the track the longest. We developed tricks like spinning on the rail, walking backwards, balancing a book on our heads as we walked and so forth. Fosters self-control, position in space awareness and of course, balance. You can build your own “rail” or balance beam with along piece of wood or put a string on the floor and “balance” on that.
IT'S YOUR CHOICE
Don’t just buy another video or video game.
Get the ADDer something that’s both fun and could, accidentally, help him/her a little.
DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only. Much of the information is from classes and workshops I've taken AND GIVEN during my 30+ 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
Email ADDchoices@aol.com or ADDchoices@yahoo.com
