Veritaserum Posted November 10, 2009 Share Posted November 10, 2009 I need ideas for my 9.5yo dd. She is constantly on the move. One thing I've found that helps is to have her sit on an exercise ball when we're doing lessons at the table because it gives her a way to move while still (mostly) paying attention to her work. The only times she is still is when she's engrossed in a book, playing on the computer, or asleep. My mother-in-law and dh's brother both deal with ADD themselves. MIL teaches public school and thought the exercise ball was a great idea. We do some wiggle time before we start the day's lessons (Hokey Pokey, lol) and sing some songs, which is my attempt to get them all prepared to be still for a little while. Sometimes it works. ;) What do you find helps your active children? Are there specific programs that you find work better to keep their focus? TIA! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaLee Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Chewing gum, pens that click, and stress balls have all seemed to help around here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EKS Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Medication, a visual timer, not feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work, medication, protein breakfast, having me sit next to him an point at his book/paper every time he spaces out, and did I mention medication? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MamaCass Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 My DS age 10 is not yet homeschooled (he wants to start next year) but he has an inflatable donut on his seat at school so he can wiggle a bit same effect as the ball. Frequent breaks are important as are frequent reminders. It is hard because at his age teachers expect him to take resposibility for his work and he is very forgetful. I have to be very diligent. A watch with an alarm helps him not hyperfocus and loose track of time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IsabelC Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 I'm planning to get a wobble disk for my hyperactive child. They're supposed to be great for core strength and balance as well as being something to facilitate controlled wriggling about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted November 11, 2009 Author Share Posted November 11, 2009 Thanks for the ideas. I just ordered How to Get Your Child Off the Refrigerator and on to Learning by Carol Barnier after reading several rave reviews. Have any of you read it? For the timer, do you have a link for what kind you use? :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Medication, a visual timer, not feeling overwhelmed with the amount of work, medication, protein breakfast, having me sit next to him an point at his book/paper every time he spaces out, and did I mention medication? :iagree::iagree::iagree: All of the above ... as well as a predictable schedule (no wondering what's next or how much more to do), reward system, fun games to reinforce math & phonics (great change of pace), and no video games before schoolwork (it seems to make it much harder to pay attention). Without medication, none of the above would be enough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tonygirl Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 sit disc i think that was mentioned. Gum crunchy snacks really help organize as well.. Figiet items chewy pencil tops or bracelts that are made just for chewying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 http://www.westfieldacademy.org/adhd/index.sht Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veritaserum Posted November 11, 2009 Author Share Posted November 11, 2009 http://www.westfieldacademy.org/adhd/index.sht Great tips! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle T Posted November 11, 2009 Share Posted November 11, 2009 Without Ritalin, my 13 year old DS is absolutely unable to focus at all. Just a whirling dervish of activity. He takes meds Monday through Thursday, which are our school days. Other things that help, in no particular order: protein, especially at breakfast physical activity big rubber exercise ball to sit on and bounce constant reminders from me to focus a fairly consistent schedule/routine no long breaks, such as summer off. I take three weeks off in December, and that is the longest break of the year. We school year round, which I highly recommend for ADD kids. As for curriculum, IN GENERAL, ADD kids do well with a lot of hands-on activities to keep them interested and focused. I stress the "in general", because there are exceptions to everything, and my own DS is one. He also has fairly severe LD's, including visual/spatial issues, and hates anything hands-on with a passion. Understanding and accepting that some days are better than others, and we do occasionally have a day that is so ADD that I know learning is not going to happen, and give DS the day off. My DH also has ADHD, so it's just a way of life around here. Michelle T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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