16 October 2008

WHAT THE SCHOOL & TEACHER CAN DO...


Seat the child in a quiet area with few distractions, preferably up front and close to the teacher. Avoid open doors and windows where children on the playground might be distracting.

Providing an area where the child can move around to release excess energy.

Scheduling difficult subjects in the morning.

Mixing classroom lectures with brief periods of physical activity, such as washing the blackboard or going to the bathroom.

Keeping assignments brief.

Allowing the child to participate often. Ask the child questions, even if their hand isn't raised. Ask the child to help out writing something on the board, handing out papers, collecting papers. This gives the child a break from their chair as well as makes them feel more a part of the class.

Giving the child extra time to answer questions or complete tests and other assignments.

Providing the student with a simple outline and notes for lectures.

Providing practice tests or quizzes to do at home.

Allowing the student to use a calculator.

Preparing the student for transitions or changes in routines, such as field trips or changes from one activity to another. Give the 5-minute warning that things are about to end or change.

Encouraging the student to check in with the case manager regularly.

Giving immediate feedback and rewards for desired behavior or for achievement.

Making sure homework assignments are clear and that the student has all the materials needed.

Providing an extra set of books to keep at home.

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3 comments:

Liz said...

Okay you guys! Some teachers are going to be more flexible than others. Complain to the guidence counselor, principal or even the principal's boss if the teacher refuses. Your child will probably not need every one of these things. Pick the ones that apply to your child. Pick the ones that look like they might solve whatever has become an issue.

Deb said...

During the first years of elementary school, my son saw all kinds of doctors and therapists, and tried several types of drugs. Not until 6th grade, when he was failing, I found a new doctor. He was finally diagnosed with ADD. He went from F's to A's. During the hole process, though, I found the teachers to be very defensive and they found all kinds of excuses to blame me or my son. I did get better results though if I kept that in mind. I would present it as "our" (me and my son) problem and that I needed their help. I would acknowledge how difficult their jobs were and and would let them know what I needed. Then I'd let them know that I would do anything they needed to make their job easier. If the teacher refuses to help. Sit down face to face and ask why they feel they can't help. Explain again, nicely, how your child needs these things in order to succeed. Do everything possible to work it out with the teacher before going over their head. Once you go over anyone's head, things become more complicated. Sometimes working with the teacher is like working things out between two different countries. It has to be handled delicately.

Liz said...

Dear Deb- thanks for your input. You are so much more diplomatic than I am!

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