Adhd

In my experience teaching, I have not had any students who were yet clinically diagnosed with ADHD, however I have had many students show signs and symptoms. Usually in Kindergarten and grade one, children are not yet diagnosed with ADHD as the teacher is the first one to start noticing signs of inattention or hyperactivity in the classroom. Often, I find parents might be aware of it already but have not taken the steps to get their child clinically diagnosed. One student in particular I taught last year in my grade one class was showing many signs of ADHD. After watching the ABC’s of ADHD video, I realise that she was showing signs of the combined sub type. Before seeing this video, I wasn’t actually aware of the different subtypes or what classified an individual in a different subtype of ADHD. Now that I am aware, I understand that this girl was showing signs of both hyperactivity and inattention. She found it very difficult to sit for any length of time for a lesson, seat work, or even lunch and snacks. She would constantly get up from her seat and wander the classroom. If she attempted to stay seated, it was obvious what a struggle it was for her and she would rock in her chair or constantly move positions with her legs up, down or sitting backwards. This hyperactivity also caused her to struggle with paying attention. During seat work there were times when she would not display as much hyperactivity, but would be gazing off daydreaming. Some strategies I put in place to help keep her focus was to work one-on-one providing support, and often have her seated closest to me or the front of the lesson during discussions. As well, this student had her own desk located behind my desk (facing the wall) for her to work away from her peers and free from distractions. She often asked to go sit at ‘her desk’ when she knew she was struggling with concentrating. She completed her best work and displayed improved focus when working at this desk. Working with her one-on-one...