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by Jan Zeiger April 22, 2001 Many
believe that Attention Deficit Disorder is the inability to pay
attention.
In actuality, people with ADD don't have a problem paying attention.
Our
problem lies in the fact that we pay attention to EVERYTHING around us.
We don't have the ability to tune things out the way other people do
without
even thinking. As I type this article, I hear every sound around me.
Every
time my dog moves, I turn and look. I try to focus on the article, but
I continue to see and hear everything, no matter how insignificant,
that
is going on around me.
Going to a restaurant with a friend can be a frustrating experience for me. It usually starts out fine, but within 10 minutes or so, I have checked out of the conversation. This isn't because I don't care. This is because I hear the people at the next table talking. I see the hostess showing a couple to their booth. Of course, I also hear the music that is playing throughout the restaurant. As my friend talks, I keep reminding myself to listen and to look at her. I respond by nodding my head as my mind drifts even farther away from the conversation. I get frustrated with myself as the evening goes on. There are so many distractions in this room! How is anybody supposed to have a decent conversation with all of this stuff going on? Last
year, I realized that I had a lot in common with one of my students, so
I did some research on ADD. As I read the books about ADD, I felt like
I was reading about myself. There were others like me! I was diagnosed
in October of 1999 with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Finding
out about ADD has been a life-changing experience for me. I finally
understand
why I need to have complete silence in order to get any papers graded
or
lesson plans done. My husband understands, too. He doesn't get as
frustrated
when we go out for dinner anymore. He just says, Jan? Are you listening
to me? As a teacher with ADD, I have a unique understanding of how
these
children feel in the classroom. This really captures the special needs
of children with ADD:
HELP ME TO FOCUS
... I NEED TO KNOW
WHAT COMES
NEXT ... WAIT FOR ME, I'M
STILL THINKING
... I'M STUCK, I
CAN'T DO IT!
... IS IT RIGHT? I
NEED TO KNOW
NOW ... I DIDN'T KNOW I
WASN'T IN
MY SEAT! ... AM I ALMOST DONE?
... WHAT? ...
I KNOW IT'S ALL
WRONG, ISN'T
IT? ... BUT WHY DO I
ALWAYS GET YELLED
AT? ... {Author Unknown}
In
this first article of a series, let's explore some ways to help the ADD
student stay focused in the classroom.
I
NEED A SPECIAL PLACE TO WORK
Children
with ADD need specific help when it comes to focusing. For them, the
classroom
can be very much like that crowded restaurant. Many teachers isolate
children
with ADD in order to reduce distractions. (While it is true that moving
a child with ADD away from the group can help them focus, it should not
be seen as a time-out or punishment.) If they are sitting in the middle
of the room where people are constantly walking by, they will
definitely
have trouble staying focused on the assignment. Instead of moving the
child's
desk, give that child a special place to work. Make it a choice for
them
to get up and move. Let them keep their regular desk, but give them a
safe
haven somewhere else in the room. Make sure that there are no windows
or
walkways nearby. I have also heard of some children who can stay in
their
regular spot when they wear earplugs that keep the noise out.
I
NEED A CLASSROOM THAT IS FREE OF BUSYWORK
Children
with ADD are not the only children who need to feel that their
assignments
are meaningful and relevant to their lives. Think about your favorite
teachers.
How did they get their students excited about learning? Think back to
your
experiences as a student when you are writing your lesson plans for the
week. Seriously consider the written assignments that your students
complete
each day. Are they all necessary? Meaningful? Worthwhile? Be a
reflective
teacher. If a written assignment isn't truly necessary, don't assign
it.
Use that time for more engaging activities and collaborative group
work.
Instead of a worksheet on plants, have them do grow their own! Instead
of doing that worksheet on adjectives, give them magazines and ask them
to cut out all of the adjectives they can find! Even the most
traditional
activities can become more engaging with a little bit of extra thought.
If you aren't sure how to do this, the WWW is a great place to start!
Remember
that children, even children with ADD, will be more engaged when they
are
encouraged to play active roles in the learning process.
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| Copyright
© Jan Zeiger obtained her bachelor's and master's
degrees in elementary education at the University of Florida. While she
loved tea ching, she found that the calling to be home with her own
children was too strong to ignore. She is happily taking a break from
her classroom teaching job to raise her two children. For more
biographical information, visit Janzeiger.com |
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