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)
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
One of the best ways for homeschoolers to express themselves is through writing. Writing is an important skill to have no matter how old you are or what industry your in. I encourage all of our Jubilee Academy homeschoolers to continue to write outside of homeschool. One way to have fun and improve your writing skills is to participate in the activities below.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Bible Stories for Kids: Read this creatively written story of Noah and the flood with your pre-k homeschooler.
Elementary Homeschoolers Picture Story: Elementary homeschool authors can write a fantastic story based on a picture.
Middle School Homeschoolers Weekly Writing Challenge: Middle School homeschoolers can hone their writing skills and be creative each week while writing for this wacky weekly writing contest.
High School Homeschoolers Creative Writing Contest: High School homeschoolers can compete against students all across the country. Enter a creative story or a poem!
“Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.” - Psalm 33:3
Greetings! Lets take a look at poetry and writing. Click below to see some of your favorite poets and much more.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students The Academy of American Poets: Search for your favorite poets, learn how to read a poem, or find out about National Poetry Month.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Giggle Poetry: Lots of funny poems, poetry contests, and more!
Middle School Homeschooling Students Poetryexpress: Find fifteen poems you can write right now or at least get some ideas for them. Make, share, and revise your poems here.
High School Homeschooling Students Sonnet Central: This great resource contains an archive of English sonnets, commentary, and pictures.
“For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.” -Psalm 1:6
Hey kids, parents and educators! Want to play some fun games today? Well you have come to the right place. Just click around to explore the fun!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students ABC: has original cartoons, stories, music, and interactive games for children of all ages. Also in French, Italian, German, Russian, and Spanish.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Bowakwala: fun Flash site for primary grade kids. Discover new things each month including a story, games, songs, and a link to UpToTen for more fun! Also in French and Spanish
Middle School Homeschooling Students Rainbow-Magic: cool mazes, puzzles, coloring, games, brainteasers, interactive quizzes, and lots more!
High School Homeschooling Students Brainquest: includes daily questions, games and trivia, cards, and more fun stuff!
“Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” -Revelation 2:10
Come explore great rhymes, crosswords, MAD LIBS and more.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Rhyme Time: A small, interactive website that asks students to identify words that rhyme.
Elementary School Homeschooling Students Kids Crosswords and Other Puzzles: Kids Crosswords allows students to practice vocabulary skills in this interactive crossword site. Crossword puzzles range from grammar to holiday themes.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Wacky Web Tales: This is an online version of MAD LIBS. In Wacky Web Tales, the user is asked to produce words to create a funny story.
High School Homeschooling Students English-Zone.com: This website provides over thirty interactive exercises in grammar, vocabulary, idioms, and spelling. The exercises are divided into three levels: easy exercises, intermediate exercises, and advanced. Students are able to click onto the answers and check their work when they are done.
“But be sure to fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” -1 Samuel 12:24
It’s time to learn! We at The Jubilee Academy hope you had a wonderful day yesterday! My question for you today is: Do you think that you speak English well? Your answer, I’m sure, was, “Well, of course I do!” However, there are many common mistakes people — even people who’ve been speaking English since they uttered their first word — make with our language. So, let’s take some time today to visit English grammar sites to brush up!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschool Students Aa to Zz: Let’s say the alphabet!
Elementary Homeschool Students Education Place English: Focuses on grammar usage through game quizzes aimed at grades K-5.
Middle School Homeschool Students Education Place English: Focuses on grammar usage through game quizzes aimed at grades 6-8.
High School Homeschool Students Grammarstation: Includes a grammar/spell checker and resources about verb tense, adverbs, and other parts of speech.
“Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, O Lord.” Psalm 89:14-16
Animal Homes: Where do these animals live? (Browser must be capable of running Java applets)
Elementary Homeschool Students Arts and Kids: Take a looks at other children’s art! You can also play puzzles, win prizes, and contribute your own art!
Art Detective: Enter a world of art and solve “The Case of Grandpa’s Painting.”
Clean Up Your World: Learn how to clean up natural areas and place litter in the correct recycling bins. (Browser must be capable of running Java applets)
Middle School Homeschool Students Kidscribe: This site publishes the poems, stories, and jokes of children and teens.
Assorted Ham: This online story writing activity allows you to write your own stories or contribute to existing stories!
Kids Idea: This site contains a wide array of activities including printable crafts, coloring, cutting papers, wrapping papers, cards, and games.
High School Homeschool Students The Ateneum for Children: Come check out the children’s discovery museum of the Finnish National Gallery.
Books 4 Teens: Come take a look at book reviews for young adults/teens, short stories fiction, jokes, funny photos, and links. The site also accepts submissions.
“May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us— yes, establish the work of our hands.” -Psalm 90:16-18 NIV
