I got a nice email from Ronel the other day, who’s raising 2 boys “Affectionately Designed Different”. I kind of like that description, don’t you?
Anyway, Ronel found me through Angel, who has the most amazing blog about parenting her ADHD son. You can check it out here. I love her attitude!
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Does your ADD child attend public school? Have you ever considered alternatives?
My kids attended public schools. We lived in an area known for it’s quality education, and the fact that we didn’t have to pay for it was an important consideration, too. All of my children had some difficulties in school because of their ADD, but they each managed to get through it with a fair amount of success.
It has often been suggested, however, that private schools offer students with Attention Deficit Disorder a greater chance at scholastic success. Part of the reason is that private schools tend to have smaller class sizes than public schools, allowing the teacher more one on one time with students.
Another reason is that private schools often have stricter rules and a more structured environment than public schools. In addition, you may find that private school students take their studies more seriously, which can create a postive kind of peer pressure.
But what if you can’t afford a private school, or want other alternatives?
You might consider home schooling. I confess, I used to look down on parents who home schooled, because I felt that they couldn’t possibly teach their children all subjects at all grade levels and do a good job.
I’ve changed my mind since then. Most states monitor home schooling parents to make sure that the children are getting the education they need. In addition, there are all sorts of groups and resources out there to help home schooling parents do a better job.
Parents who home school can offer their children a much richer learning environment than any classroom can, provided they make the effort. Lessons can be tailored to the way your child learns, and can capitalize on their interests. I think that an ADD student might do very well in such an environment.
Of course, home schooling isn’t for everyone, but it is an option.
Another option, depending on where you live, are schools designed especially for students with Attention Deficit Disorder. There are a few of them throughout the country, and the ones that I’m aware of have very good reputations. Cost, of course, is a consideration.
Even if you end up sending your ADD student to public school, there are things you can do to make the experience more beneficial to your child. I’ll address some of those things next time.
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The other day, my daughter confided to me that she had created a “genius” organizational system for school. She color coded books, notebooks, and folders by subject, making it easier for her to find the right materials for each class.
It is a great idea, but sorry to say, she didn’t invent it. And although it’s something I’ve recommended to students in the past, I didn’t invent it either.
None of that matters, of course, as long as the system works. I find that some students with Attention Deficit Disorder do well with this sort of organizational system.
For others, however, it can be confusing, overwhelming, and frustrating. They may have trouble remembering which color goes with which subject, or they may find that it’s just too many things to keep track of.
If that’s the case for your ADHD student, consider simplifying. I suggest one large, multi-subject spiral notebook (with built in pocket dividers) or two, at the most, depending on how many classes the notebook needs to cover. If you have to use two, divide them in a logical manner, such as morning and afternoon classes, or classes that take place on the same days.
I like spiral notebooks because the papers are attached and in order. If you have to tear one out to hand in, most notebooks these days have a clean tear perforated margin. Any loose papers can be put into the pocket divider.
Another alternative is one big folder. You use one side for papers coming home and the other for papers going to school. The disadvantage of this is that it can get messy, so it will need periodic clearing out. Also, papers may be harder to find and easier to lose. The advantage, however, is that it’s one thng to keep track of instead of many.
Spend some time with your ADHD student and see which idea fits them best.
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