It is
interesting how many students are now being labeled "attention disordered."
Years ago, only medical
practitioners determined whether a child had an attention disorder, and the
numbers were small. Now, teachers, relatives, and next-door neighbors are quick to
point out the characteristics of ADD.
Response:
I really liked this article because it opened my eyes. It points out that just because a kid is classified as ADD doesn't mean they really are. It could have to do with their learning style. Aside from liking the whole article, I chose the quote above because I agree with it. Years ago the only people who would have known about ADD were doctors, but today it is very well known. It's taught in schools, it's in tv, in movies, in magazines, and even on billboards. ADD has several symtons and when a child has a burst of energy they are automatically ADD. No, they are a child! They do those kinds of things. Only a doctor can give you the correct diagnosis of a child. If anyone else wants to accuse a child of having a disorder they need to go to medical school.
Related Source: As a homeschooling parent I feel so fortunate that I can answer these questions for myself with my own kinesthetic learners. When my oldest son was still preschool age I soon found out that if I wanted to tap into all that I knew was rolling around in his brain I would need to be in his world (I am a visual learner). As long as he was moving, he could verbalize his learning – sing his alphabet, count by twos, spell him name – these all came easily when he did them to the rhythm of play, such as one letter each time he bounced the ball. He is now 12 and I have learned to incorporate movement into each day, and have seen similar successful results with his younger brother as well. Both of them thrive on movement, are inclined towards sports, and are happiest when their bodies aren’t sitting still.
My husband learned just how intrinsic movement is to our children’s learning one day when he took over the educating duties for me. He was giving spelling words to our 9 year old who was marching around the table when he asked our son to sit down – leading to a barrage of complaints from all of the other children who knew how their brother operated. The kids taught their Dad a lesson that day – their brother is an amazing speller if he gets to step with each letter. I am certain that if attending a traditional public school, at least one of my kids would have a learning disability or behavior label, when in actuality they are excelling at their academics because they can use their own talents and learning styles effectively.
While not every teacher can realistically accommodate these specific needs of kinesthetic learners, it is time that the educational and medical communities come together and identify true differences between medical conditions like ADHD and learning styles that make some children labeled as different. Our children deserve opportunities to thrive and grow as their brains are created to do.
References: Oldenburg, Chris. Web. <BetterParenting.com.>.
Linksman, Ricki. <http://www.latitudes.org/articles/learn01.html>.
My husband learned just how intrinsic movement is to our children’s learning one day when he took over the educating duties for me. He was giving spelling words to our 9 year old who was marching around the table when he asked our son to sit down – leading to a barrage of complaints from all of the other children who knew how their brother operated. The kids taught their Dad a lesson that day – their brother is an amazing speller if he gets to step with each letter. I am certain that if attending a traditional public school, at least one of my kids would have a learning disability or behavior label, when in actuality they are excelling at their academics because they can use their own talents and learning styles effectively.
While not every teacher can realistically accommodate these specific needs of kinesthetic learners, it is time that the educational and medical communities come together and identify true differences between medical conditions like ADHD and learning styles that make some children labeled as different. Our children deserve opportunities to thrive and grow as their brains are created to do.
References: Oldenburg, Chris. Web. <BetterParenting.com.>.
Linksman, Ricki. <http://www.latitudes.org/articles/learn01.html>.
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