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Unfortunately in this day and age, the ability of the teacher and aide (if there even is one) to tailor their teaching style is limited. Thesize of some of these classes that the teacher is trying to manage is also an issue. I totally agree though as some children especially boys learn very differently. Many are more hands on and physical and should never be expected to sit still for long periods of time. My oldest was like that and is now in honors/AP classes and I also think my youngest is like that as well.
back in the day, the cure for these disorders use to be a swift butt-whoopin..
I was half-way joking with this.. However, I'm curious about the previous posts regarding learning styles and abilities... Isn't part of the learning process understanding how to stay under control and focus? I don't mean to offend anyone, I'm just curious as to how the child wouldn't be considered "different" in these cases? In our society, you're labeled as different if you don't conform to the traditional norms. I guess what I'm getting at is, why would you fault the teacher or aide for suggesting that the parent may want to look into the issue a little deeper? (if that was the intention of the post)
I guess what I'm getting at is, why would you fault the teacher or aide for suggesting that the parent may want to look into the issue a little deeper? (if that was the intention of the post)
Because the impression I got was the teacher jumping right to an "oh it's probably ADD" conclusion vs considering that as the last and least likely answer.
Because the impression I got was the teacher jumping right to an "oh it's probably ADD" conclusion vs considering that as the last and least likely answer.
too many people working in the educational field are quick to suggest medicating a "spirited" child.
My son's preschool teacher (yes, I said preschool) told us that we should put our son on medication. She didn't suggest we look into it, she said we should just simply do it. She explained that all three of her boys were taking ritalin or some variation of the drug and that it worked wonders for them.
Once she realized that we rejected the suggestion she gave up working with him and would just simply punish or yell at him whenever he did something she didn't like. Leaving him in that environment for the few months we did remains our greatest regret to this day.
It's not up to a professional educator to conduct a neurological exam. I would no more accept an ADD/ADHD diagnosis from a teacher than I would a reading aptitude evaluation from a neurologist.
Forgive me if this had already been mentioned, as I have only skimmed the thread. I saw a couple of references to making sure he consumes a nutritionally-sound diet. Something else to consider is sleep habits. With really active kids, it seems like a no-brainer to sign them up for lots of activities to help them burn off their excess energy, but that sometimes means kids go without the sleep they need to be their best. My husband and I saw a pretty dramatic improvement in our son's classroom attentiveness and attitude when we enforced a strict bedtime that ensured he received adequate rest. We make sure that the hour before bed isn't too stimulating (no computer games or rough housing), so he can drift off easily. Just 30 extra minutes per night makes a difference for him.
Best regards...FC
Last edited by formercalifornian; 09-16-2009 at 01:09 PM..
Another possibility that I think can contribute more than many realize and seems to be quite common is a poor diet (typically way too high in sugar, for example). Not saying a kid has to suddenly become a health nut, but I have seen many parents who let their kids eat mostly fast food and salty/sugary snacks and similar junk - then scratch their head about why Johnny is so hyper and bratty. Must be ADD.
I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record about the need for adequate sleep, but many children crave calorie-laden, sugary snacks because they haven't gotten enough sleep, and they need the energy. Parents, on the other hand, just head for the local Starbucks.
too many people working in the educational field are quick to suggest medicating a "spirited" child.
My son's preschool teacher (yes, I said preschool) told us that we should put our son on medication. She didn't suggest we look into it, she said we should just simply do it. She explained that all three of her boys were taking ritalin or some variation of the drug and that it worked wonders for them.
Once she realized that we rejected the suggestion she gave up working with him and would just simply punish or yell at him whenever he did something she didn't like. Leaving him in that environment for the few months we did remains our greatest regret to this day.
It's not up to a professional educator to conduct a neurological exam. I would no more accept an ADD/ADHD diagnosis from a teacher than I would a reading aptitude evaluation from a neurologist.
I can't rep you again so just a quick bravo.
Quote:
Originally Posted by formercalifornian
I'm probably starting to sound like a broken record about the need for adequate sleep, but many children crave calorie-laden, sugary snacks because they haven't gotten enough sleep, and they need the energy.
Nah - they crave those things because they taste good; they could give a flip about "getting energy" from em. Great point about getting enough sleep though.
too many people working in the educational field are quick to suggest medicating a "spirited" child.
My son's preschool teacher (yes, I said preschool) told us that we should put our son on medication. She didn't suggest we look into it, she said we should just simply do it. She explained that all three of her boys were taking ritalin or some variation of the drug and that it worked wonders for them.
I believe you, but I find this very surprising. I have been teaching elementary students for 17 years. We have always been told by our administration that it is not our place to say that a child should be on medication, just as we can not say that a child needs to be tutored or NEEDS any type of evaluation. Teachers can not make a medical diagnosis. We are always warned that if we say "your child needs to be medicated" or "your child needs to be tested", then the school system can be held accountable for paying for it.
Usually, I don't think more than maybe 10% of my third graders are on medication for attention issues.
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As well...
