Volume 2, Issue 7
March, 2009
SCOPE FOR PSRP’S
McAllen AFT, 1500 Dove, McAllen, TX, 78504
Telephone—682-1143, Fax—631-0190, Cell—607-0193
Stories contributed by McAllen AFT PSRP’s
Behaviors of ADHD Kids in the Classroom
In many classrooms, kids are expected to sit quietly for extended periods of time as they listen to the teacher and do their work. For many students, this isn't a difficult task, but for students diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sitting quietly in a classroom can be an almost impossible feat. Once a child with ADHD has reached his limit, he may begin disrupting the class in many different ways.
Generally, ADHD is classified in two ways: hyperactivity and inattention. Behaviors of ADHD kids in the classroom are often directly associated with these classifications.
Hyperactivity-Hyperactive children find it very difficult to refrain from talking, moving, and disturbing others around them. These children often blurt out comments, answers, and questions at inappropriate times. They may have difficulty sitting in chairs, and instead get up to wander about the room, looking for something that might be more interesting. Others may sit in a chair, but they are certainly not still. They fidget, bounce, move back and forth, tap their feet, pencils and other objects, etc. Again, not only is this distracting for others in the classroom, but this behavior can actually increase the child's own frustration because he knows his behavior is unacceptable, but he may not be able to stop what he is doing without help.
Inattention-The child who has a short attention span doesn't usually create as much of a distraction in the classroom. However, the results of this inattention can still have a negative impact on his own academic performance. His grades may be consistently lower than his actual capability to perform simply because he just isn't able to pay attention to his teachers or any instruction. His inability to focus may cause him to miss out on important instructions, homework or class work assignments, and more. He may actually hear what is said but he may soon forget what he heard shortly after.
Tips and Advice-For teachers and paraprofessionals who are trying to manage a roomful of students, an ADHD child can be a huge challenge. In some cases, teachers aren't given adequate training on the behaviors of ADHD kids in the classroom. They simply try to maintain some likeness of a calm classroom, but often their time is mismanaged as they attempt to control the behavior of the ADHD child, losing valuable teaching opportunities in the process. What can teachers do in this situation?
Establish a relationship-Make a special effort to establish a relationship with the child by spending some time talking tohim/her at the first of the school year. If specific problems occur throughout the year, talk to him/her away from the other students.
Create varied lesson plans-Obviously, this student will not perform well in a class that consists of lecture only. Try to incorporate other types of learning activities, and whenever possible use technology in the classroom. Many students with ADHD respond well to computer-oriented activities.
Get organized-Help the student keep a journal or notebook so that she can write down assignments, instructions, dates, etc.
Modify lessons-Kids with ADHD may need to have modified lessons and tests. For example, in a multiple choice test, give the student three answers to choose from instead of five.
Maintain contact-Make sure the student sits in a desk that is close to yours. Stay in close proximity to him/her as much as possible.
Hand out responsibilities-Give the student small errands or responsibilities, such as delivering messages to the office, watering plants, etc. Be sure and tell her what a good job she is doing when appropriate.
Provide breaks-If the lesson you are teaching requires students to sit quietly, give the class short breaks, allowing them to move around the classroom or at least stand up and stretch.
Strategies when Dealing with ADHD kids:
- Encourage rather than criticize.
- Tell them what you want them to do (not just what not to do).
- Refrain from accusations.
- Catch the child exhibiting positive behavior.
- Shape behavior through praise.
- Move closer to the ADHD child when you want his/her attention.
- Ask the ADHD child to do small errands/chores to redirect negative energy
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JOKE OF THE MONTH
Spring Fever
Four high school boys afflicted with spring fever skipped morning classes. After lunch they reported to the teacher that they had a flat tire.
Much to their relief she smiled and said, "Well, you missed a test today so take seats apart from one another and take out a piece of paper." Still smiling, she waited for them to sit down. Then she said: "First Question: Which tire was flat?"
Chicken Barbecue Quesadillas
Chicken Barbecue Quesadillas
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp. minced onion (optional)
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 6 to 8 oz. grated Monterey Jack cheese
1. Heat the chicken, barbecue sauce, and onion together in a small saucepan until warmed through. Meanwhile, have your kids use 2 1/2- or 3-inch cookie cutters to cut the tortillas into pairs of matching shapes (ideally, you'll end up with 12 to 16 pairs).
2. Place one of each pair of shapes on your work surface and sprinkle cheese on them. Add a tablespoon of the chicken mixture and a little more cheese, then top with the matching tortilla shapes.
3. Right before serving, place the assembled tortillas, a few at a time, on a warmed griddle and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes on each side. As you cook them, transfer the tortillas to a baking sheet kept in a warm oven until the whole batch is done. Serve at once.
Makes 8 to 10 servings
