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.
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
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
“Hello friends! How is everything?” Spanish is a wonderful language that many people around the world speak. The United States has a very large number of Spanish-speaking people, but Mexico by far has the most! Let’s learn some things about the United States’ neighbor: MEXICO!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Everything Spanish: A Spanish Theme page from Enchanted Learning.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Mexico for Kids: “Official site from Mexican government to learn about the land, people, and culture of Mexico. Includes history, government, news, and games.”
Middle School Homeschooling Students Time for Kids — Mexico: “A virtual journey with photo timeline, currency converter, interactive quiz, audio language guides, and ways to interact with kids in Mexico.”
High School Homeschooling Students Global Tribe - Mexico: Journey into the heart and history of Mexico, get stats about the country, view a slideshow of pictures, and more.
“I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples.” -Psalm 108:2-4
In Him,
The Jubilee Academy
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We search the web high and low for the greatest and most educational websites for you to use to enrich your child’s education. The websites contained in this blog do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of The Jubilee Academy.
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Homeschooling Information, Tools and Support
I bet you can guess by now that I just said “Hello my friends! How are you?” to you in a language other than English. Do you have any idea what language it is? Why French of course! France is a beautiful country with many fun things to learn about! Ooo, la, la!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Everything French: A French Theme page from Enchanted Learning.
Elementary Homeschooling Students French Vacation: This site has photographs of Italy from a family’s vacation to Europe with a brief commentary of the places visited.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Paris Panoramas: Virtual reality movies of famous museums, buildings, and locations in Paris.
Embassy of France: Just for Kids - learn about French art, economy, culture, history, and what it’s like to live in France!
High School Homeschooling Students Virtual Journey of France: “Take a trip through France with this site, and learn about its history and culture.”
“Come, eat my food and drink the wine I have mixed.” -Proverbs 9:4-6
Do you know what I just said? I said “Hello! How are you?” in German! Do you know anything about Germany and the people? It’s a wonderful culture with many interesting things to offer! Let’s take a look!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Everything German: A German Theme page from Enchanted Learning.
Elementary Homeschooling Students German Vacation: This site has photographs of Italy from a family’s vacation to Europe with a brief commentary of the places visited.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Germany for Kids: The kids section of the information site published by the German embassy in Washington D.C. has facts on the country, history, daily life, music, food, free time and German celebrities.
High School Homeschooling Students Virtual Germany: Virtual Tours and pictures of Nuremberg Square in Germany.
“Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.” -Psalm 117:1-3
Do you know what that means? I just said, “Hello beautifuls!” in Italian! Isn’t it pretty? Do you know any other language? Have you ever left the country in which you grew up? Let’s take some time today to look at all things Italian! The food! The language! The history! It’s all so fantastico!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Italy Photo Gallery: Pictures of different locations in Italy.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Italian Vacation: This site has photographs of Italy from a family’s vacation to Europe with a brief commentary of the places visited.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Let’s Roam Italy: This site gives information on Italy and its culture. It provides information on various cities as well as a section on the Vatican and its art treasures.
High School Homeschooling Students Italy on the Grand Tour: Check out this series of exhibitions from the Getty Museum showcasing the art and culture of Italy in the 18th Century.
“Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” -1 Peter 3:2-5
We discussed cultures from around the world yesterday, but do you realize there are different cultures in your own neighborhood? Yup! There sure are! Today, the sites I’ve chosen will teach you about cultural differences within the US. Have fun!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students ¿Mexifornia?: About Mexican families who recently moved to California. Shares their stories, their traditions, and their culture.
Elementary Homeschooling Students A Virtual Journey into San Francisco’s Chinatown: In the heart of a bustling metropolis, Chinatown is a distinct culture within a culture. Use your mouse to navigate Chinatown’s streets and alleys, and see how the old ways mingle with the new.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Not Everyone’s American Dream: Learn about the homeless sub-culture in the United States. Explore who the homeless are and how they get that way.
High School Homeschooling Students The New Americans: Follows the lives of immigrants from Nigeria and the Dominican Republic. Includes a brief look at how immigration served as the foundation of American society and culture, as well as an interactive timeline of immigration.
“Save your people and bless your inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever.” -Psalm 28:8-10
Today, let’s take a journey around this beautiful world of ours! Below are some links about other countries and their cultures. Today’s Web Adventure is sure to be an exciting one!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students We the World: Travel with Tiki the Penguin to meet kids from tribal groups.
Elementary Homeschooling Students IPL Culture Quest World Tour: Links from the Internet Public Library introduce the customs, beliefs, arts and institutions from different groups of people.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Global Gang: Join the Global Gang to learn more about kids from other countries through stories and e-mail.
High School Homeschooling Students Cultures: Devoted to cultures, living and ancient, and the promotion of world communication. Includes photos, drawings, animations, sounds, links to encyclopedias.
“The LORD will scatter you among the peoples, and only a few of you will survive among the nations to which the LORD will drive you.” -Deuteronomy 4:26-28
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
