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.
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)
It’s getting a little warmer out there and what better time than spring for a good hike? Hiking is a great way to appreciate God’s beautiful Creation while simultaneously getting that heart pumping! A hike can be a lesson in Science if you take a closer look. Study Romantic poetry about nature for a quick English lesson. You can always look up verses about nature for a Bible devotion as well. Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Babycenter: Learn how to hike with your toddler so he or she doesn’t get too tired on those long trips. Elementary Homeschoolers GORP: Going on a hike is a great activity for younger children. Here are some helpful tips that will keep your kids on the trail. Middle School Homeschoolers Rails to Trails: Rails to Trails is dedicated to converting unused railroad tracks into great hiking, biking, and walking trails.
High School Homeschoolers American Hiking Society: This government organization will give you all the information you need to plan a great hike.
“Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.” - Ecclesiastes 5:10In Him,
The Jubilee Academy
It’s snowing outside in most parts of the USA so today we’re going to learn about how homeschoolers can have fun in the snow. Don’t just stand there staring out the window. Get out there and have some fun with snowmen, snowball fights, snow forts, snow angels, and sledding! When you’re done, come on back in for a hot cup of cocoa. I know homeschool students don’t have snow days, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a few hours of fun anyway.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers eHow: Learn how to make a colorful snow angel with some food coloring.
Elementary Homeschoolers Snowcraft: Play a quick game of Snowcraft, then go outside for a real snowball fight.
Middle School Homeschoolers Ben and Jerry’s: Make a cool virtual snowman with all your favorite accessories. Then go outside and make a real life replica.
High School Homeschoolers The Farm: Do like the eskimoes and make a real igloo out of blocks of ice. Don’t forget the airhole!”Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:11
Hiya homeschoolers! Today we are going to goof around with some basketball games. Do you have what it takes to be a pro-baller? Basketball has an American sport for over 100 years. It was created by a physical education instructor who wanted to provide his students with a competitive sport that relied on factors other than strength. This way, the scrawnier players had a chance against the big guys. Let’s enjoy some basketball fun together!
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Pepere: Check out this cool basketball flash game. Can you get a three-pointer?
Elementary Homeschoolers Janim: Here’s a shockwave basketball game; this time in 3D. Try to aim your shot as best you can to win the big game.
Middle School Homeschoolers Netfit: Here are some plyometric exercises that will improve your jumping, sprinting, and explosive power. These qualities are perfect for developing your basketball skills.
High School Homeschoolers Hoophall: Basketball has a long and storied history. The Basketball Hall of Fame webpage has tons of cool information about how this great game got bouncing!
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” -2 Timothy 3:16-17
Hey stinky! Yeah you! Haven’t you ever heard of a bath? I’m just kidding around, homeschoolers. But seriously, we need to make sure we stay so fresh and so clean. Hygiene is serious business. It can keep you from getting sick. Here are some sites that will help you stay clean while having a blast.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Kaboose: Do you hate taking baths? I used to hate them too! Here are some ways to make them full of fun. Bubbles and splashes can be a blast.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Thinkquest: Bert, Ernie, Cookie Monster and the rest of the gang will take you on a tour of your body and teach you how to keep it all fresh as a daisy!
Middle School Homeschooling Students Kids’ Health: Did you know that the toothbrush was invented 1,000 years ago by the Chinese? There’s lots more to learn about dental care. Find out more about how to take care of those tusks!
High School Homeschooling Students Teens’ Health: Going through puberty can be tough on your body! Here are some insightful questions and answers to help keep you on track with hygiene.
“He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads slander is a fool.” -Proverbs 10:18
Yesterday we learned how to have some fun indoors. Today, the sun is out and it’s time to get wild! Here are some games you can play with your friends out back.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Games Kids Play: Here are some great clapping games for little ones.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Chain Hide ‘N Seek: Here is a new twist on an old classic. I think you’ll be giggling in no time when the chain starts growing!
Middle School Homeschooling Students U.S. Scouts: Here are the official rules for Capture the Flag, my favorite outdoor game! This game is great when you have a lot of people to play.
High School Homeschooling Students Scout-o-Rama: Go on an orienteering adventure, a great way to learn about compasses and magnetism!
“A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes a fool.” –Proverbs 17:10
Are you ready to get your blood pumping? Today we are going to learn how to keep our bodies fit and active.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Healthatoz: Here you will find many ways for youngsters to keep active.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Kids Health: This great page shows us why exercise is cool.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Netfit: Here is a great site that will teach you all kinds of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. There are even pictures of kids performing them to show you just what to do.
High School Homeschooling Students The Sports Supplement: Here are some helpful guidelines for kids who want to start a strength training program.
“But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness” -1 Timothy 6:11
Hello! Today we are going to learn about a nutritious diet. Munch on the links below to find out how to stay healthy.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschooling Students Dole 5-A-Day: Bobby Banana shows kids his favorite games and healthy recipes.
Elementary Homeschooling Students Go, Slow, and Whoa!: Should you chow down or lay off? Find out which foods will keep your body healthy and strong.
Middle School Homeschooling Students Kids Health: Minerals: Check out this site to learn more about key minerals.
High School Homeschooling Students The New Food Pyramid: Take a look at this new and improved food pyramid developed by the Harvard School of Public Health.
“Thus saith the LORD, Learn not the way of the heathen, and be not dismayed at the signs of heaven; for the heathen are dismayed at them.” —Jeremiah 10:2
