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.
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)
Earlier this week we celebrated Martin Luther King day. Martin Luther King Jr. was a pioneer in the civil rights movement. He was sadly assassinated outside his hotel room. However, he accomplished more in the few years of his activism than most accomplish in a lifetime. Click on the links below to find out more.Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Thinkquest: Color this inspiring picture of Martin Luther King.
Elementary Homeschoolers Golden Legacy: Here’s a great comic book-style introduction to the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Make sure to take the quiz at the end.
Middle School Homeschoolers The King Center: Listen to Martin Luther King’s speeches here at the King Center.
High School Homeschoolers Stanford University: Visit Stanford’s homepage for extensive information about Martin Luther King.
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.” - Romans 2:1
On Wednesday we learned all about Pilgrims. Then on Thursday we learned about Native Americans. Today, we will learn about Thanksgiving, that fateful day upon which the two people groups met for a leisurly meal. Click on the links below to learn more about why we celebrate Thanksgiving today.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Bethany Roberts: This great page is full of Thanksgiving recipes, jokes, riddles, and other fun stuff.
Elementary Homeschoolers Black Dog: Check out this great page for tons of fun Thanksgiving games, puzzles, crafts, and more.
Middle School Homeschoolers Pilgrims.net: Click here to find out more about what it was like during the first Thanksgiving. There’s even a recipe for a Native American pudding dish for your Thanksgiving feast!
High School Homeschoolers Mises Institute: This is a fascinating and thought-provoking article about the economic conditions which birthed capitalism in America.
“Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart.” -Psalm 119:111
Yesterday we learned all about Pilgrims. Today we are going to learn more about their Native American friends. There is a tribe in New England that helped the Pilgrims survived their first winter. In fact, if the friendly tribe had not been there to assist the new settlers, there is a good chance that they would not have made it through to celebrate Thanksgiving! Click on the links below to learn more about America’s native inhabitants.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers About.com: Click on this link to find out how to make some neat Indian crafts such as a CD dreamcatcher and a toilet paper roll corn cob!
Elementary Homeschoolers Apples4TheTeacher: In the mood for a fun new game? Click here to find great traditional Native-American games for kids.
Middle School Homeschoolers Photos West: Ever wonder what it was like for Native American women? They led exciting lives. Check out the photos to get a glimpse.
High School Homeschoolers Hamilton School: To Native Americans, the bison was more than just a source of food. Click here to find out how they used every single part of the animal for tools, decorations, clothing, and more.
“Let everything that has breath praise the LORD” -Psalm 150:6
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, it’s a good time to get into the mood. Do you know your Thanksgiving history? The pilgrims were more than just people who wore funny buckled hats. They were a brave people who faced insurmountable odds to experience the religious freedom they craved. Let’s spend some time learning about them today.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers DLTK: Click here for a cute paper-plate Pilgrim craft. You can even attach a popsicle stick to make a mask. If you’re feeling especially artistic, you can put on a play using the masks you create!
Elementary Homeschoolers About.com: Check out this page to find out how to make a girl Pilgrim hat. There’s a link for the boys too, so don’t worry guys!
Middle School Homeschoolers Pilgrims.net: Click here to visit the Plymouth, MA homepage. This is where the Pilgrms landed when they arrived on American shores.
High School Homeschoolers Life on Plymouth Plantation: You can do all kinds of neat brainstorming exercises and learn all about how the Pilgrims lived at Plymouth Rock.
“Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” -Jeremiah 32:17
Let us set sail for new lands to pillage! Today, homeschoolers, we shall visit those fierce pirates of the North, the Vikings! These brutal Scandinavians struck fear in the hearts of villagers throughout Northern Europe and beyond. Come, gather round the fire in my thatch-roofed cottage as we discuss this pioneering people group.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Hicker Photo: Check out these neat pictures of Viking dramatists.
Elementary Homeschoolers Viking Childhood: Jim Cornish tells us what it was like growing up as a Viking child. It was a very different world back then. You might even be getting ready to marry by now if you were a Viking!
Middle School Homeschoolers BBC Kids: A friendly Viking boy named Thorkel will take you on small tour of Viking lands, explaining who his people were, what they did, and where they went!
High School Homeschoolers BBC Kids: Try out the Viking game at this page. You can set sail for a raiding mission and bring back treasure and prisoners for your leader.
“So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.” -Matthew 6:2
Well met, homeschoolers! I hope you are ready for another fun-filled day of learning and growing in the Lord. Today we are going to take yet another trip through time. This time we are going to visit scientists, artists, philosophers, and more. The Renaissance was a time of great cultural progression and expression. Starting in Italy, the movement quickly spread throughout Northern Europe. Let’s visit those creative days together.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Suite 101: Learn more about what it was like to be a kid during the Renaissance. Have mom or dad read for you if you need help with some of the big words.
Elementary Homeschoolers Renaissance Connection: This site is full of short cartoons and neat interactive games that will teach you more about this amazing period in history.
Middle School Homeschoolers Learner.org: This site is full of hands-on learning activities that will tell you all about different facets of the Renaissance movement.
High School Homeschoolers Constitution.org: Here you can read the Machiavelli’s “The Prince” in its entirety. It’s one of the most politically significant books of all time.
“Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.” -James 3:16
Howdy, homeschoolers? Are you ready for a rip-roarin’ covered-wagon journey across uncharted lands? Today we are going to learn about the brave people who journeyed across harsh wilderness, braving all sorts of environmental hazards and diseases throughout the mid-19th century. Check out these fascinating links below to find out more about the high adventure that ocurred along the most famous migration route in America.
Pre-Kindergarten Homeschoolers Nebraska History: Check out a neat coloring mural of a panoramic Oregon Trail scene.
Elementary School Homeschoolers Virtual Apple II: Play the original Oregon Trail game for free. Ford the rivers, stop at trading posts, but whatever you do, watch out for dysentery!
Middle School Homeschoolers Oregon Pioneers: Click here for listings of many Oregon Trail emigrants and how they settled in the West.
High School Homeschoolers Idaho State University: Vist all the famous historic sites lining the Oregon trail, from trading posts to Indian villages.
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.” -Matthew 7:15
