Attention Deficit Disorder has a reputation as being a problematic condition that does not work in the classroom. In most schools, kids are required to sit, listen and write. They cannot pace, chew and listen. Or listen, multi-task, pace and sit.
If you are not familiar with ADD the second two options might sound dizzying. But for kids with ADD they are real methods of learning and being productive. So the challenge for kids with ADD is to survive school with intact self-esteem and to figure out how to squeeze into the neat little box of learning required for the standard classroom.
Why do children need to sit in school? What’s wrong with sitting and standing stations? Motor breaks? If ADD brains just work differently, why are they disordered?
One Comment
I SO agree! While there are teachers in this world who totally get this and are able to help kids who don’t fit into the mold, others need some more help in understanding.
In the meantime, helping our kids to find what they are good at and letting them do those things so that they don’t get too beaten down is so very important.