While this week's information on detecting possible problems was really important, I think that I was most interested in the information on ADHD.
When I was growing up, my cousin Rob was really active; really, really active. And my Aunt Carole was always having to go to the emergency room because he was into everything. He was one of those kids that had to touch everything, experience everything through physical contact. Fortunately, none of the accidents were ever serious enough to be more than stressful for Aunt Carole and stitches for Rob. He is now a fully functioning adult with no issues.
I think that if Rob were in school today, he would have been marched to the doctor and prescribed Ritalin. While I understand that some medical treatments and intervention are crucial, I worry that it is too easy to prescribe a pill. I really liked having some information on how to just shift position in class to the front or actually communicate in the hopes of not just turning to pills.
I can only imagine if Rob had been raised in a household that was burdened with excessive stress. His hippocampus would be shrinking while everyone failed to meet the need for positive stimulation.
As a future teacher, I think that the information on nurturing was enlightening. The study from the University of Oregon about parenting skills can easily translate over to the classroom. Using positive language helps not only to maintain positive stimulation, but it models for kids how they should then behave. Aunt Carole would get frustrated, but I don't recall that she ever yelled when Rob had once again used a bicycle, or any other available object, to defy gravity. Maybe that is why he is totally "normal" today.
Hi Suzanne,
ReplyDeleteYour example of your cousin fits well for this post :o)
Teachers need to really be observant of their students and watch for any issues that could be in the way of a student learning.
One good way is to greet students as they come in the classroom. Of course how they act in the classroom is important too.
There are things teachers can do to help their students. Allowing a student to stand while working and move around is an example. Letting them pass out the papers is another.
Teaching is not just standing at the front of the class lecturing on a topic, it is so much more.
Thanks!