Below is another great article I found about ADD/ADHD. If your not familiar with ADD/ADHD then please read these frequently asked questions so you can easily identify if your homeschooling child has it or so you can better meet your student’s learning needs. If you are a homeschooling parent of a child with ADD/ADHD I’d love to hear about your experience.
Please provide an overview of attention deficit disorders.Attention deficit disorder is a syndrome characterized by serious and persistent difficulties in the following three specific areas:
1. Attention span.
2. Impulse control.
3. Hyperactivity (sometimes).
ADD is a chronic disorder that can begin in infancy and extend through adulthood, having negative effects on a child’s life at home, school, and within the community. It is conservatively estimated that 3 to 5% of our school-age population is affected by ADD. Even though the exact cause of ADD remains unknown, research shows that ADD is a neurologically-based medical problem. There is no one “test” for determining if a person has this disorder. An accurate diagnosis requires an assessment conducted by a well-trained professional - usually a developmental pediatrician, child psychologist, child psychiatrist, or pediatric neurologist. (From ERIC EC Digest E569, Teaching Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorders).
What information is available on legal issues and attention deficit disorder?
Most students with ADD are served in the general education classroom. Some students may receive services under the rules and regulations of either Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The IDEA defines as eligible only students who have certain specified types of disabilities and who, because of one of those conditions, need special education and specially designed instruction. Section 504 protects all qualified students with disabilities, defined as those having any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities including learning. Section 504 covers all students who meet this definition, even if they do not need to be in a special education program. It is important for classroom teachers and other professionals who work with these students to understand the classroom modifications and accommodations that can assist these students. (From Section 504 and the ADA Promoting Student Access: A Resource Guide for Educators. Council for Exceptional Children, Reston, VA).
What can you tell me about the use of Ritalin and other medications in the treatment of ADD? What are some alternatives to medication?
No cure or “quick fix” exists to treat AD/HD. The symptoms, however, can be managed through a combination of efforts. management approaches need to be designed to assist the child behaviorally, educationally, psychologically, and, in many instances, pharmacologically. Medication has proven effective for many children with AD/HD. Most experts agree, however, that medication should never be the only treatment used. Many parents and teachers have heard that mega-vitamins, chiropractic scalp massage, visual/ocular motor training, biofeedback, allergy treatments, and diets are useful treatments for AD/HD. However, these treatments are often experimental, and advocates and parents need to become informed consumers and exercise caution when considering such treatments. (From NICHCY’s briefing paper on ADD).
I think my child is gifted. My child’s teacher says he might have an attention deficit disorder. Is this possible? Where can I get information on children who are gifted and might have an attention deficit disorder?
During the past five years, an increasing number of gifted children have been identified or diagnosed as having attention deficit disorder, with or without hyperactivity. This dramatic increase is somewhat disturbing, and has been explained in many different ways including greater awareness on the part of educational professionals and improved diagnostic techniques. However, ADD in gifted students is difficult to assess because so many of the behavioral characteristics are similar to those associated with giftedness or creativity. A child who is gifted may have ADD. Without a thorough professional evaluation, including a physical examination by a physician, it is hard to tell.
Take some time to read this great article about helping students with Attention Deficit Disorder. Included are seven solid strategies that parents and teachers should start implementing for students with ADD.
As all good teachers know, every student has unique interests, abilities, and learning styles. In a successful classroom, this individuality is respected. In fact, teachers use what they know about each individual to help students learn. This same care and respect can help the growing number of students with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) overcome some of the educational challenges that they face.
Distinguishing ADD from the normal range of childhood activity is difficult and requires the help of a trained professional. There is no cure for ADD. However, you can use strategies like the seven below to help students with ADD find success in your classroom.
Establish a calm, structured classroom
Set up regular routines and clear, consistent rules. While this classroom structure need not come at the expense of creativity or excitement, students with ADD are usually most comfortable in classrooms where procedures, expectations, and limits are explicit.
Provide a “stimuli-reduced study area” in a quiet, low-traffic area of the classroom. Encourage students to use it. To learn more about setting up this study space, go to KidSource Online.
Seat students with ADD away from distractions and close to you. Younger students who have trouble staying in their own spaces can benefit from clear physical boundaries, such as their own table or a box marked on the floor with colored tape.
Always be clear and concise when giving instructions
Repeat yourself! Students with ADD flourish in classrooms where reminders and previews are the norm. Be sure that students know what to expect, and give them frequent updates.
Maintain eye contact when giving verbal instructions and make sure that students understand the instructions before they begin the task. You may want to have students repeat directions back to you.
Simplify complex instructions, and break large tasks into a series of smaller, more manageable parts. Provide older students with written instructions for multistep projects. Review these instructions orally to be sure that students understand.
Use non-verbal cues to communicate with the students; for example, quiet the class by raising your hand or blinking the lights. Give private cues when students are off-task, like sending a signal to re-focus by placing your hand on the shoulder of a chatting or distracted student. If a student is struggling with written instructions, print simple, easy-to-understand icons in the margins of the page in order to draw attention to key points.
Help students to become better organized
Provide students with an easy-to-use assignment log. In this log, clearly list the day’s assignments on a clear, standardized homework schedule. Be sure to include a checklist of all books and supplies that students will need to complete the assignments. If possible, older students should make these homework schedules on their own. Remind all students to consult this notebook at the end of each day and to make sure they understand the assignments.
Take advantage of technology
Encourage students to do writing assignments on computers or word processors that have a spell-checking feature. Students can also use hand-held, computerized spellers. Of course, these aids should not replace good, comprehensive training in these basic skills. However, for projects that emphasize content mastery, technology can be a very valuable tool! Students who can demonstrate their knowledge without worrying about spelling or handwriting can feel pride in their accomplishment and enjoy a great boost in self-esteem.
Give frequent and specific praise
Be sure to tell students how much you value them. Praise all good behavior and outstanding academic performance or improvement in front of classmates or in private. Be specific - tell students exactly what they accomplished!
For example:
“Great job, Leila! You raised your hand before you answered the question!”
“Thank you for washing your paintbrush and putting it back where it belongs, Juan. You really listened to my directions!”
“What a clean desk! You are very organized today, Matt.”
Reward success in the classroom by:
Distributing small prizes, like stickers.
Adding checkmarks or stars to a prominently displayed chart.
Giving successful students firm handshakes and bright smiles.
Telling students that you are proud of them!
Share good news with family members
Tell family members about their children’s accomplishments. Don’t limit home-school communication to difficult periods or crisis situations.
Give younger students a daily home-school “report card.” Encourage them to keep cards in their assignment logs and to share them with their parents. Use this report card to describe students’ achievements and to ask for information or assistance.
There are no easy solutions to ADD, but a classroom environment that is rich in structure, support, and encouragement can nurture success in all students.
C.S. Lewis is one of the most celebrated authors in the 20th century. Lewis published poems, essays, non-fiction, science-fiction, and children’s books. He often wrote about Christianity or used Christianity as an underlying theme in his writings. Lewis is an incredible writer, to say the least, and The Jubilee Academy believes that home schoolers will strongly benefit from hearing or reading his works.
Pre-Kindergarten Home Schoolers The Chronicles of Narnia Audio CDs: Reading Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia may be tough for pre-kindergarten home schoolers, but it doesn’t mean they have to miss out on the fun. Pre-k home schoolers can hear the gripping stories of Narnia on cd.
Elementary Home Schoolers The Chronicles of Narnia Books: Elementary home schoolers will love the world of Narnia and Lewis’ imagination. Read all about Peter, Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and a host of other delightful characters. There are seven books in all.
Middle School Home Schoolers Space Trilogy: C.S. Lewis’ Space Trilogy is made up of three science fiction novels. Middle school home schoolers won’t be able to put down Lewis’ stories about Elwin Ransom and life in space.
High School Home Schoolers Mere Christianity: Lewis’ Mere Christianity is adapted from his famous BBC broadcasts during World War Two. Lewis’ goal is to “explain and defend the belief that has been common to nearly all Christians at all times.” Perfect for high school home schoolers.
“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession-to the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:11-14)
Poetry is a timeless art that has lasted throughout the ages. From David in The Bible to Walt Whitman, poems have been written that have stirred people’s hearts and sparked their imaginations. Poems have the ability to capture a moment, much like a painting, and encapsulate that moment forever. The Jubilee Academy believes that poetry is an excellent way for home schooling students to improve their writing and reading skills. Poetry is written in all different levels and in a variety of forms. The Jubilee Academy has found some phenomenal resources that will introduce younger home schoolers to poetry and challenge older home schoolers with more advanced poems. Enjoy!
Pre-Kindergarten Home Schoolers Having Fun with Shel Silverstein: Pre-kindergarten home schoolers can write poems, solves puzzles, and learn all about poetry!!! This website brilliantly introduces poetry to pre-k home schoolers!
Elementary Home Schoolers Giggle Poetry: Elementary home schoolers have always loved poetry and they will love using this website to learn about poetry. Giggle poetry allows elementary home schoolers to write, read, and perform poems with friends, and much more!
Middle School Home Schoolers Famous Poems: Middle school home schoolers have a variety of interests and this extensive list of famous poems will meet their individual interests. The Jubilee Academy feels this website provides an impressive list of poems that middle school home schoolers should read and study.
High School Home Schoolers W.B. Yeats: Yeats is perhaps one of the greatest poets known to man. Yeats was a founder of the Irish Literary Revival that produced many world-famous writers. Yeats’ poems may be difficult to understand at first, but we feel that high school home schoolers will greatly benefit from studying his works.
“Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice? On the heights along the way, where the paths meet, she takes her stand; beside the gates leading into the city, at the entrances, she cries aloud: ‘To you, O men, I call out; I raise my voice to all mankind. You who are simple, gain prudence; you who are foolish, gain understanding. Listen, for I have worthy things to say; I open my lips to speak what is right.’” (Proverbs 8:1-6)
Good morning! Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone is having a terrific week! Tomorrow, America celebrates the Fourth of July. How will you celebrate Independence Day? Do you know what Independence Day is? These sites are dedicated to teaching The Jubilee Academy home schoolers all about America’s most important national holiday.
Pre-Kindergarten Home Schoolers Independence Day Printable Coloring Pages: Pre-k home schoolers can print out 4th of July pictures and color them in! This is the perfect Independence Day activity for pre-k home schoolers!
Elementary Home Schoolers Fourth of July Activity Book: Elementary home schoolers will have a blast solving word puzzles, labeling maps, and reading about important American symbols. This is a great way to reinforce home school curriculum or introduce home school curriculum!
Middle School Home Schoolers Constitutional Puzzles: Middle school home schoolers, do you think you know your American history? The Jubilee Academy is going to put you to the test! Solve each of these word puzzles that focus on a different area of American history. Enjoy!
High School Home Schoolers Save the Bill of Rights: High school home schoolers, have you got what it takes? If you do, then help America save the Bill of Rights in this excellent interactive game. Playing this game is also a cool way to strengthen your home school education!
“Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.” (Philippians 3:17-21)
I love the sound of children playing in my neighborhood. Balls are bouncing everywhere. The sound of little feet running about echo through my windows. Little brothers yell at their big brothers to wait up. It’s important that home schooling students play outside too and enjoy playing with their siblings as well as other children in the neighborhood. Playing outside is an excellent way for home schoolers to get exercise and socialize with their peers. Here are some fun outdoor games for home schooling students to play.
Pre-Kindgergarten Home Schoolers Hide and Seek: Pre-Kindergarten home schoolers can learn how to play hide and seek. Pre-kindergarten home schoolers will love playing this game and never want to stop!
Elementary Home Schoolers Tag: Tag is a game that has remained popular over the years for elementary home schoolers. Tag can be played in a variety of ways. Elementary home schoolers can learn all the various ways to play tag and should try each one out.
Middle School Home Schoolers Capture the Flag: One of the most famous night games in America is Capture the Flag. Middle school home schoolers will have a blast planning how to capture the other team’s flag and bring it back to safety!
High School Home Schoolers Washers: High school home schoolers may have never heard of this game before, but once the play they will tell all of their home schooling buddies how amazing it is! High school home schoolers can learn how to build a washers box here.
“I lift up my eyes to the hills-where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip- he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD watches over you- the LORD is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will keep you from all harm- he will watch over your life; the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121)
Home schoolers, do you have a craving for something sweet? I have the perfect solution for you! Roll up your sleeves and make some yummy summer treats. Home schoolers should ask their parents for help before working on their delicious masterpieces. Cooking is fun and a wonderful skill to learn. It can also reinforce home schooling curriculum like chemistry, math, and reading.
Preschool Home Schoolers Summer Popsicles: Preschool home schoolers will love making these delicious popsicles, especially on a hot day!
Elementary Home Schoolers Frozen Chocolate Banana Pops: Home schoolers in elementary school will have a ball making this easy recipe for scrumptious chocolate covered bananas.
Middle School Home Schoolers Fun Healthy Fruit Shakes: Summer treats don’t have to be unhealthy. Middle school home schoolers can enjoy creating a variety of tasty and healthy fruit shakes.
High School Home Schoolers Ice Cream Sandwiches: Is there anything more brilliant than an ice cream sandwich! Everyone loves to eat ice cream sandwiches and now high school home schoolers can assemble their own.
“Lift your eyes and look to the heavens. Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.” — Isaiah 40:26
Even though it’s the summer, home schoolers are still encouraged to sharpen their minds by reading, writing, and solving logic problems. That’s right, logic problems. No matter what age your home schooler is he or she will love logic problems by the end of the summer. Logic problems are fun, challenging, and will help home schooling students logically evaluate problems in the real world when they are older.
Pre-Kindergarten Home schoolers Butterfly Puzzle: Pre-K home schoolers can use logic to unscramble the photo and see what the picture is!
Elementary Home schoolers Cool Logic Games: Elementary home schoolers will enjoy these online games and learn all about logic too.
Middle School Home schoolers Brain Teasers: Middle school home schoolers can sharpen their logic skills by trying their best their best at these fun brain teasers.
High School Home schoolers Interactive Logic Problems: Solve this tough problem about the high school play and other mind bending problems.
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” — Galatians 5:1
Homeschoolers, it’s time for you to get your hands dirty and garden! Gardening is a great way for homeschoolers to learn about plants, vegetables, photosynthesis and have fun during the summer. Gardening is also the perfect way to reinforce homeschooling curriculum by discussing the water cycle, the process of photosynthesis and other concepts in biology. Click the links below to start your homeschooling garden project.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Indoor Projects for Kids: Here are some fun indoor garden projects for pre-k homeschoolers.
Elementary Homeschoolers Terrarium Projects: Chech out these cool and creative garden projects that elementary homeschoolers will love!
Middle School Homeschoolers Vegetable Garden: Middle School homeschoolers can build a lovely vegetable garden using this great guide.
High School Homeschoolers Science of Gardening: High School homeschoolers are encouraged to read all about the science and art of gardening by watching the videos on this awesome website.
Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so. The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. — Genesis 1:11-12
What are your homeschoolers doing this summer? Going back in time? Sailing on the high seas? Hanging out with the three little pigs? Summer is the perfect time for homeschoolers to improve their readings skills and have a blast while doing it. We’ve compiled a comprehensive summer reading list for each Grace Academy grade so that your homeschoolers can improve their reading skills over the summer and have fun reading a variety of amazing stories. Encourage your homeschooler to read everyday and see their reading skills improve dramatically over the summer!
Homeschool parents should also check out our homeschool summer school program. Our summer school program helps homeschoolers grow their minds, gain credit toward a high school diploma, and surge ahead academically instead of developing lazy habits. Have a great summer!!!
