What works best for the adhd child? the kinesthetic learner? hands-on? I have seen Konos and Weaver recommended, but I would like to hear what worked best for you. Thanks.
My 16 year old son had ADHD and we have been doing ACE for going on 3 years now and he seems to do well with that.
My son was previously diagnosed with ADHD. (dr. later reversed that diagnosis) Turned out it was the symptoms of ADHD, but he is actually gifted instead. He does, however, have Tourette Syndrome. Anyway, the one thing that we discovered that changed his school day forever is Math-U-See. It gives short lessons on a DVD. The assignments aren't loaded with 50 problems on a page so the student doesn't feel overwhelmed at a glance. The program focuses on all avenues of learning--see it, build it, etc.--and has manipulatives for all levels. I just can't say enough good about it. Hope this helps!
my friend uses Teaching Text Book for math, and lap book style for teaching Science classes, more lab than reading... also videos for history, check out Drive Thru History videoseries, you may be able to see this on Net Flix?
Just a thought--I think hands-on stuff is great for that type of child! But one thing I found that helped my ds was, no matter what curriculum we were using, allowing him to move around and say things outloud and getting out and getting aerobic-type exercise of some kind 2-3 times during his schoolwork times, then after he was done as well! He would have had troubles in school. Sitting in a desk, being quiet and still---TORTURE for him! He'd lay on the floor, half on the couch/half on the floor, and walk around while reading his books and assignments. Being able to read and say some things out loud helped solidify in his brain what he was learning. All things he would not have been able to do in a school classroom! Just thought I'd mention, aside from the curriculum, to allow movement because though it may drive YOU crazy, it could really help him!
With my ADHD son we do a lot of hands on activities. Also Life Pacs from Alpha Omega because he can work at his own pace. Also something that worked for us was what we call the grab basket. It was just a little basket filled with toys that didn't make any noise but were textured so on. I found out very quickly that what I thought was him not paying attention but he would be messing with his pencil or his brother or sister lol. It was that he wasn't listening or learning he just needed something in his hands. Also if he needs to do his reading by pacing the kitchen floor or sitting out in the living room on a pillow it is no big deal. This biggest thing with ADHD kids and homeschooling is throw about everything you know about "what you think is a learning setting away". Letting them move, hands on items, and expression is the biggest things that will let them work they ways that they can and learn things that you didn't even know they were picking up on.
We've found that CLE for LA and Math are working well with adhd kids, because of the spiraled approach -- they don't do one skill over and over, but rather a little bit of the new lesson, then mixed practice of previous skills, with just a few of these a a few of those -- it changes tasks frequently, so they don't get as bored. That, along with letting them move, vocalize, fiddle with something in their hands, or finding something safe for them to chew on, or allowing a non-messy snack while working, or some combination of these things, usually work well. And using a timer, sometimes.
Hello, everyone. I'm new to the forum - have been homeschooling my son for 7 yrs. He is almost 13, and is ODD, with possible bipolar (not diagnosed - hope we're wrong!) Anyway, we are currently with Seton but the curriculum is a bit too challenging. We have been on "hold" with school for a while - searching for what will work best.
Wishing you all kinds of luck, Mom'stheteacher! We're still with CLE (since the previous posts of 2009) for reading and math, although we've changed to Rod&Staff for English, spelling, and science. We work a lot orally with our now-ten-years-old grandson, and still allow him to work where he wants to - desk, floor, recliner, couch. For now, doing English orally (mostly) is working. Social studies (geography right now) is done orally except for doing the maps. Breaking things down into shorter periods helps, with a wiggly break between. We do use medication, with a proper amount of caution and awareness, which doesn't "cure" anything but does help make it more manageable. We're adding his little brother to the mix, and we're starting up our new school week on Monday. We'll hold our breath and see how it goes!
I love The Sensory University's stuff - they have great curriculums but also games like "stop think and relax" and other great games my kids have loved. Educents I think has that game but bet you could find it anywhere.
A suggestion I saw for ADD kids is to use a timer: 25 minutes "on task" followed by a 5 minute "break" (for drinks, bathroom, movement--just not sitting or reading!). I've used timers a lot with my ADD daughter. We tried this 25/5 strategy last week and it seemed to work well.
