Philippine Registry for Occupational Therapy Centers

The national association for occupational therapists in the Philippines, also known as Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines Inc. (OTAP), will be launching a database of all centers, clinics and hospitals offering occupational therapy services all over the Philippines. The said database or registry will be launched by July of 2013 and will be updated on a quarterly basis.

You will have to do:

1. Accomplish the registration form
2. There should at least have two (2) active OTAP Members ( in GOOD STANDING, I added this one) practicing in the clinic
3. Pay the annual registration fee of PhP 500.00 thru Metrobank Robinson's Galleria Branch: Account Name: OTAP, Inc and Account Number: 6297629002479
4. Send the following to otap_inc@yahoo.com with subject heading: OTAP Clinic Ad (Name of Clinic):

• Accomplished form
• Scanned copy of the deposit slip with the clinic's name written on it
• Logo of clinic or institution

For further inquiries, you may send an E-mail to Ms. Joan Dominique O. Go, OTRP @ joan_go07@yahoo.com.

Coursera: ADHD Through the Lifespan

This just in: "Pay Attention" ADHD Through the Lifespan by Anthony L. Rostain of University of Pennsylvania. This is one of the Coursera course I'll be participating in and I hope to finish the course.  The course reviews current scientific knowledge and clinical approaches to Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and examines its impact on development, functioning and health outcomes.

An intro to the course:

Homeschooling: Hiking in Talim Island

I finally found a good excuse to visit Talim Island. Our homeschoolers' topics were plants, land forms and bodies of water. Talim is found in the middle of  Laguna de Bay, enclosed by the provinces of Laguna and Rizal.

I used to stay at my aunt's place in Baranggay Navotas and then traverse the steep hills to reach my other aunt's place in Baranggay Subay. Subay and Navotas hasn't change a much except maybe for the proliferation of motorcycles and paved roads which make it annoying and scary for the activity we had last December 26 and 27: Hiking.

We were accompanied by my cousins Otep, Jacenth and Cayoy. We had fun in collecting samples of plants and flowers, looking over the cliffs and enjoying the breeze. My cousins were amused and I guess impressed with how our children were hands-on with their learning. The kids knew exactly what they wanted to do when we set foot in Subay-- discover the place as much as possible.

It was the the first time for my kids to visit the island and I took up the role of a historian-slash-tourist guide as we walked along the hills with drizzle and cold breeze. Thanks to the Christmas storm than made our walk so much easier. While walking, I told them stories about the birthplace of their lola, the hospital where we used to run around and reminded them of the once creepy places I was so scared of when I was their age visiting the place.

Nice fun times with the kids. Will I have another chance at this? I don't know but one thing is for sure: homeschooling our kids has offered us opportunities to learn together and have fun as a family on the side.

I can't ask for more.

SENIA Meeting

I'll be attending the Special Education Network in Asia-Manila meeting this afternoon at the International School Manila with our Learning Support Coordinator, Ms. Yvette.

This would be my first time and I'm excited!

Seminar & Workshop @ St. Andrew's School 2012

I'll be in St. Andrew's School-Paranaque today and on Thursday with Ms. Sonia Mendoza to give another round of talk on Special Education. Ms. Sonia and I have been giving workshops and seminars since 2007  and somehow our tandem is working effectively.

For this year's edition, our topics will be more on Spotting and Handling Learning Difficulties in the Regular Classrooms. Although I've always been excited to do these endeavors, I feel I could have rested a bit more before plunging into action once more. Beacon School commencement happened last Friday with Mr. Jim Paredes of the APO Hiking Society gave the commencement speech on practical matters. I was glad he gave that kind of speech to our 8th graders. Going back to my previous statement, I wish this workshop could have been scheduled another week later. I never really had time to rest over the weekend as I needed to attend to personal stuffs.

But I'm ready, I'm just tired.

I haven't played online chess in a long while.

For today and on Thursday, I pray that everything will go smooth and that all of the participants, including us, will find it useful for in their classroom teaching.

Also, I think at 2 in the afternoon the the Senate Impeachment Court will resume and the buzz is that Senator Juan Ponce Enrile and his gang will be handing out their verdict over CJ Corona case. That CJ which showed the whole world the audacity to tell everyone this:

"The Chief Justice of the Republic of the Philippines wishes to be excused."

Because of this and the happenings right after he walked off the Earth, I mean walked out of the courtroom, he now is seen by the whole world as someone who used his medical condition to be excused from cross-examination. He also has become a member of the disgraceful "WheelChair Club" with former president GMA who used the wheelchair to show everyone that  they are sick and should not be bothered by these courtroom dramas.

Jessica Sanchez losses against an American, what the hell were you guys expecting? A non-American winning a contests for Americans? Please stop this craziness. And a video came out showing who strike first in the Raymart Santiago/Claudine Barreto-Ramon Tulfo fist fight over at NAIA. It was the couple's friend wearing a pink shirt.

And while all these TeleNovela is happening and satisfying the Filipino thirst for more comedies, the Philippines is doing badly in the Scarborough Shoal, no thanks to our government who would rather satisfy the demands of our foreign investors than promote our own interest.

Grace Lee continues to hug the limelight and Lourd de Veyra's shows continue to provide the only sane show in Philippine TV.

I need to go now before I forget, call time is 8 in the morning.

The Next Frontier: Inclusion Workshop Final Day

The third day of The Next Frontier: An Inclusion Workshop "Building a Culture of Inclusion" is the last day of a well-designed, well-thought out workshop for learning support teachers from all over the world. Here's what we did:

• Structured Class Visits. We visited classrooms from 8:30 in the morning until 10. I joined the group that chose to visit middle school classrooms. It is always beneficial to see how other teachers and professionals do their jobs: teach in the classrooms. The ISM Learning Support Model has co-teaching models, clustered teaching loads for teachers, mainstreaming, push-ins and pull-outs and skills class like strategy instruction. as a given, differentiated instruction is a way of life for ISM classes. 

• Debriefing session. We had a thirty-minute discussion on the experience we had, insights gained, confirmation of revelations on learning support practices. In one of the carousel groups, one lady from Japan hushed "We all are believers here, what about the non-believers?" To which I replied "We always are confronted with the non-believers in our practice, we always handle them in creatively in a lot of ways".

• Poster Sessions. Another carousel activity but this time your on your own. Topics were: Managing Data; Student IEP's; Educational Assistants; School-based Occupational Therapy and Speech and Language Pathology; Case Study Presentation from Beacon Hill School of Hong Kong. I joined in the interview/open forum for school-based OT's and SLP's.     

• Lunch. Great food again.  

• The Horse's Mouth. Another carousel discussion. Topics were: Practical and Logistical Issues: Finances, Admissions and Leadership; Host Country Resources; Service Delivery Model; Modifications and Accomodations; Record Keeping Software; The Next Frontier: Next Steps. 

• Plenary Panel Discussion: Building a Culture of Inclusion. ISM Stakeholders shared their thoughts on Inclusion in schools.

• Closing and Reflection. Here's a cognitive coaching statement to be filled: "I used to think __________________________but now I think _______________________________. The first thing that I will tell my colleagues when I comeback is ____________________________.   

We were given a thumb-drive/flash disk that contains all of the workshop materials and a hard copy of The Next Frontier: Inclusion A Practical Guide for School Leaders. 

Thanks to everyone who made the three-day workshop a successful endeavor. Thanks to Bill, Oshan and Kristen! Great job people! 

On to the next step. 

The Next Frontier: Inclusion Workshop Day 2

The second day of The Next Frontier: An Inclusion Workshop "Building a Culture of Inclusion" is was another great day for everyone. We covered everything that was published on our daily bulletin which included:

• Establishing a common language. A review of the first day's sessions and a road map for the day ahead. We were asked to write keywords relating to what an inclusive school is and share them to our group for a minute. And after this we had to write our personal belief about it too for two minutes. 

Here is my output:

Inclusion is...

To include.

Not to exclude.

To enjoy everyone's triumph.

To celebrate someone's victory.

To be part of.

To be in.

And then to close the session on establishing a common language, here are two statements worth remembering when you want inclusion to be part of your school culture:

"Use person first language"

"Not about us without us"

• De-Mystifying Special Education.  We were asked to choose 3x 30 minute sessions in carousel to join out of four and I chose the following: Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD and Cognitive and Developmental Delays. I dared not join the Autism Spectrum  for the simple reason that I've lived my life with my brother who has autism and I feel like I'm drowning with all the info's on autism.

• Deciding to Teach Them All. This session had a homework part. e were asked to read up on the article called Deciding to Teach them All. The classroom part was really interesting. We were asked to highlight one sentence that we strongly feel about, whether its positive or not. And then We take turns in saying anything and everything we want about the highlighted sentence laid on the table by one of the group members. The simple rule was: NO CROSS TALK! This means when one is talking, everyone listens. As member of this kind of learning group, one has to think about the topic on hand, listen to your group members and allow the universe to talk to you. This is a great take-away for teachers. 

• Reflection and Preparation. The final two sessions before lunch. We were asked to reflect upon the morning activities and write questions for parents and students receiving learning support in ISM.

• Inquiry Lunch. This one is really nice. We got to enjoy nice tasting food plus we shared job-alike tables and this meant popcorned stories of job practices from different perspectives. Nice one!

• Student panel. Six ISM students on Learning Support Program were invited for a question and answer. Fantastic insights from the students!

• ISM Learning Support Resource Team Model. A video presentation of how the learning support team at ISM does their team meetings. The audio was buzzy and this led me to zzzzzzzland.

• Parent panel. Another question and answer this time with the parents of students in the Learning Support Program.      

• Closing and Reflection. Final session for the day. We were tired and yet satisfied. We were asked for plusses and wishes. The day that was and for the 3rd and final day.

That's it pansit!

The Next Frontier: Inclusion Workshop Day 1

Today is the first day of the 3-day workshop The Next Frontier: Inclusion Workshop "Building a Culture of Inclusion" which is hosted by International School Manila. There were more than 65 participants from 20 school, representing 17 countries from around the world.

We arrived in the venue early, around 330 in the afternoon. there were four of us who were sent by our school, one administrator, one learning support coordinator and two teachers. This gave us the chance to have a mini-meeting prior to the conference. We were given the seminar kit which included a publication of The Next Frontier Movement and this was The Next Frontier: Inclusion, A Practical Guide for School Leaders.

The first day of the workshop started around 4 in the afternoon with registration rituals and your usuals. Introductions including outcomes and settings conditions for our learning together. Opening remarks given by ISM's superintendent David Toze which was characterized by his witty takes on inclusion program practices of his institution.

After Mr. Toze we had an interactive introduction to the topic of inclusion, an admission's committee simulation. We were grouped according to our answer to the question "How many islands are there in the Philippines?" We were introduced to The Next Frontier Movement, a network of international schools that share the belief that international education should be inclusive and must cater to anyone who wishes to enroll or study in their school.

For the activity, we had a simulation on admissions process involving learning support students. We were given cards containing background and information on three students. For our group,we accepted two students out of three with one of them on conditions. This was a good one as every one had to consider our practices in our own schools. Some got into very passionate debate about which policy is really helpful for the student and which are not. At the end of the processing of the activity, I think everyone in the room was more than ready for the next two days.

For the closing part of the first day, burning questions were asked and were written by Ochan Kusuma-Powell on the board. Interestingly, the questions raised by most participants were the same questions that came up during the pre-conference meeting that our team had earlier in the afternoon.

That's it for the first day and I'll be back tomorrow night to give you more insights and updates on this. The Next Frontier Network is now officially a movement towards the education for all in international schools.

NFI presents Building a Culture of Inclusion

The Next Frontier presents "Building a Culture of Inclusion" at the International School Manila from March 14-16, 2012.

There will be four presenters are the following:

• Kevin  Bartlett, International School of Brussels Director
• Kristien Pelletier, Learning Support Consultant
• William Powell, International Educator
• Ochan Kasuma-Powell, Education Across Frontiers Director 

For online registration, visit The Next Frontier: "Building a Culture of Inclusion". Read the Scribd document below for all the registration details:

NFI Workshop at ISM

For the Kids 2012

We have a contributor from St. Scholastica's College Ms. Alex Jewel Leonor, a third year SPED Major. She shares to us her views and her perspectives on the the volunteering program she joined in called For the Kids 2012.   


Here it is:


Being someone for somebody voluntarily is a fulfilling action that can lift up your heart. For the Kids 2012 (FTK) was an experience to boost up our talents and skills in handling children of all abilities. As a L.O.V.E. volunteer, great opportunities abound for college students from La Salle and other universities in and around Manila. SPED Olympics happens once a year and once a year we share our laughter, fun, games, food, and company with the children. I can say that being a volunteer, one carries a with her a responsibility as big as one's love for the children. The child will be under our supervision for the whole day. We were given an assignment and the ration was 2 is to 1. Two volunteers to one child,  one ate and one kuya. 


There was a bond established between us and at the same time we met new friends along the way. People from DLSU were accomodating, quite the opposite of what was expected from them. Snub!
. 
Handling children was one of the thrills of FTK. It wasn't difficult to handle a child. I told myself that if I was the only one who had the child, I wouldn't have survived. He was simply too strong for me to handle. At first, my partner Ked and I didn't have any problems with the child. He was easy to be around with but tantrums came and we couldn't we can't stop him! He didn't want to get off the microphone. He even peed on his pants. I didn't know what to do but my partner was there to help me and the father of the child. 


My idea of getting my child off the stage and the microphone was not good, he was unstoppable. We were not able to finish all 3 games, just 1 game.
 
But every FTK volunteer has the end goal of giving joy to our assigned child, make them happy.


We wanted them to enjoy each moment we were with them,while we were under under the sun, literally. My skin was burnt and it was really bad. My partner asked me if I wasn't tired and I told him "No" because I was happy the child was enjoying his time. My partner gave up and needed to rest for quite awhile. Heart problems he had and he needed it. 


I saw the passion, the zeal that every teacher must have. My partner was not a SPED major, but then, his heart was really for the kids. You can do your work without any complains if you love your work.


For the Kids 2012 was a blast! It was a successful event where everyone enjoyed especially the kids. We  learned a lot from them!

For the Kids 2012 was really a day for the kids! To make them smile and take a break from the usual stuff that they do. Our desire to make the kids happy was a success. We were all successful in painting smiles on their faces that day. That Sunday was one of the most unforgettable Sundays that ever happened to me and I'm sure also for the other volunteers. 


As Scholasticans, we are very willing and motivated to lend a hand for every kid. The love for kids were clearly seen as the Education majors of St. Scholastica's College lend a hand to every child.

The Learning Center Special Collection 2012

One of the Philippine's pioneer in providing special education services within a school context, The Learning Center Inc, is raising funds for the school's continued sustainability.

Proceeds from this event will be for The Learning Center, Inc.'s Financial Assistance Program for special students from low-income families, Sheltered Social Enterprise, and Community Service Programs. We need all the help we can get. Please help us spread the word.

Give it a try people!

Occupational Therapy Seminar

Now here is a seminar promoted by the Occupational Therapy Association of the Philippines:

Beyond Beads and Pegs, Developing a Comprehensive Fine Motor Skills Program by Anna Yap Tan Pascual, MRS, OTR, OTRP.

Equal Rights, Equal Oppurtunities

Promoting the welfare of Persons with Special Needs need not be dramatic, plain and simple. Here's one infomercial that ought to be shown on prime time TV:

Seminars on Child Development and Education

Here is an invitation from Dr. Celerino Tiongco,  Dean of College of Education and Human Development, University of Asia and the Pacific:

We would like to invite your office to our upcoming seminars stated below on February 4, 2012 and February 18, 2012 at University of Asia and the Pacific. It will be a seminar series on Child Development and Education.

The seminars—titled; a. Raising a Child in A Sexualized Environment and b. Impact of Multi- Media on Children—have the following objectives:

February 4, 2012- Raising a Child in A Sexualized Environment:

1. To analyze on how does a sexualized environment affect children’s attitudes and behavior
2. To suggest methods on what can parents do to guide and protect their children in a sexualized environment
3. To review what roles do parents play and how do they protect their children
4. To provoke Reflection, Discussion and Action

February 18, 2012- Impact of Multi- Media on Children:

1. To review definitions of media
2. To cite media rights of children 
3. To analyze seven perspectives of media as friends or foes
4. To suggest ways of exercising Parent- Teacher Media Management
5. To provoke Reflection, Discussion and Action

These sessions will be of interest to all who are involved in taking care of their young children, for those people who treat education as a specialization, profession, or investment or are simply interested in the education of children. The seminars will be held on February 4, 2011 and February 18, 2011, respectively. It will be P2, 500 per participant, inclusive of seminar materials,certificates, and meals. We will be giving discounts to those who would attend both seminars. Below are the details of our discounted rates:

Early Bird rate	Php 2,000
Groups of 5	Php 1,800 per seminar and individual
Registration for 2 seminars	Php 4,000
Undergraduate Students	Php 1,250
Graduate Students	Php 2,000

For more information, please contact Ms. Josephine Teves at telephone number 634-2828/ 6370912 loc. 376, email josephinetherese.teves@uap.asia.  Please inform us on or before January 20, 2012. We would like to ask for your help in this event, we also hope you will favorably consider our request.

Sincerely yours,

DR. CELERINO C. TIONGCO

Dean

School of education and Human Development

University of Asia and the Pacific

2nd AD/HD Regional Conference in the Philippines

The AD/HD Society of the Philippines will have their 2nd Regional Conference at the end of the month and it is happening in the province of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Here is the society's invitation/announcement:

AD/HD SOCIETY OF THE PHILIPPINES 2nd REGIONAL CONFERENCE

Organized by:ADHD Society Of The Philippines

On:        Septemebr 30, 2011
Time :    08:00 AM-05:00 PM
Venue : ANGELES UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION

The AD/HD Society of the Philippines
In cooperation with the 
Angeles University Foundation

Presents

THE 2nd AD/HD REGIONAL CONFERENCE

DEMYSTIFYING AD/HD:
UNDERSTANDING AND MANAGING AD/HD

On 30 September 2011, 7:00am - 5:00pm
Angeles University Foundation (AUF) AuditoriumMcArthur Highway, Angeles City, Pampanga 

Programme:

Nature of  ADHD

 (and ADD) & Forms of Intervention that Works

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Behavior Management Principles and Strategies

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Managing AD/HD Behavior in the Classroom

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Panel Discussion: “Ganito pala ‘yon….!!”:  

AD/HD through the eyes of a person with AD/HD and significant others

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Managing AD/HD Behavior at Home and Other Social Settings

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Team Approach in Managing Children with AD/HD

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Institutional Support Mechanism for Children with AD/HD

  

The conference will bring together local experts in the different fields involved in the care of children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD).  It will focus on helping parents, teachers, guidance counselors, therapists and other child advocates identify and understand AD/HD as well as provide techniques and strategies in the effective management of the condition. 


In this regard, we would like to request for  your assistance in disseminating information regarding the said seminar, to your respective network so that they can participate in this worthwhile activity.  

Thank you for your kind attention!

                                                    Conference Fees:                                                        
                                   

                               Pre-Registered*                     On-Site

Member                       P1000.00                           P1250.00

          Non-Member                 P1100.00                            P1350.00            

*on or before Sept. 26, 2011

*Fees inclusive of meals and snacks

LIMITED SLOTS. Pre-registered participants may pay to AD/HD Society of the Philippines, Banco de Oro, S/A Account No. 2070024330 on or before  SEPTEMBER 26, 2011.  Please fax deposit slip with the names of the participants at TF 927-3463 and bring it on the day of the seminar for issuance of receipt. No refund will be given to pre-registered participants who did not show up during the seminar.  On-site participants will be entertained depending on availability of slots.


For inquiries, please contact the ADHD Secretariat:

Rm 110 ISO Building, Social Development Complex, Ateneo de Manila University, Q.C.
Tel Nos (02) 426-8568, TF 927-3463, (0918) 9079159
Email address: adhdsociety@yahoo.com                   

website: www.adhdsociety.com



...every individual with AD/HD is understood, protected, cared for...

Such a nice tag line!  

Directory of Centers and Professionals for Special Education in the Philippines

Here I am again to give you a directory of Centers and Professionals that might help you in working with families and students with special needs. Hope this helps!

Directory of Consultants (CENTERS)

Center For Family Ministries (CEFAM) Center For Family Ministries Ateneo de Manila University Loyola Heights QC. Tel no. 4264289 to 92 Email Address: cefam@pusit.admu.edu.ph Child Therapy Center Occupational, Physical, Speech and Play Therapy Suite 214 Medical Towers Bldg. VA Rufino st. (former Herrera st.) Legaspi Village, Makati City Tel no. 8920192 A Child Can Foundation Works with Autism, Dyslexia, ADD, PDD, Asperger’s Syndrome and other learning and behavioral disabilities 4th flr. Eight One Eight Bldg. 818 Pasay Road, Makati City Tel# 8922486/8922497/8921191/8103123 Website: http://www.achildcan.com/ Rehab Partners Suite 301 Richbelt Towers 17 Annapolis, Greenhills San Juan, Metro Manila Tel# 7226640 Email: rehabpartners2000@yahoo.com Therabilities, Inc. Suite 1801 Medical Plaza Ortigas, San Miguel Ave., Pasig City Tel@ 6340639 Email: therabilities@yahoo.com In Touch Counseling and Psychotherapy, Child and Family Development, Psychological Evaluation & Diagnostics 2nd Flr. Holy Trinity Church Compound 48 Mc Kinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati City Tel #s 8931893, 8937606, 8106223 Link Ed Learning Disability Specialists c/o Mrs. Pebbles Villalon Syjuco Unit 2, 4/F Maga Center Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City Mobile # 09178237323 Tel# 8548536

PSYCHCONSULT, INC. Psychological Evaluation & Diagnostics, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Child and Family Development Unit 227 Regalia Park Towers 150 P.Tuazon Ave. Cubao, QC Tel no. 4212469 Email Address: psychconsult@edsamail.com.ph PSYCHPROS Psychological Evaluation & Diagnostics, Counseling and Psychotherapy, Child and Family Development 3/f President Tower Bldg. #81 Timog Ave. Diliman, QC Tel no. 9266519/9283654/9280878 St. Luke’s Neurodevelopmental Center Interdisciplinary Evaluation and Management of Children and Adolescents #279 E.Rodriguez Sr. Boulevard, QC Tel no. 7275463(direct line)            7230101 local 5463 (trunk line) WORD LAB School Reading Intervention #28 7th st. New Manila QC Tel no. 7243871 READ-ABILITY Literacy Improvement Center 101 Chico Street, Project 2, Q.C. Tel# 4337700 Mobile# +639092987686/ +639178527491 Shine Interventions Bunny Joaquin bunnyjoaquin@shineintervention.com Center for Learning and Intervention Unit 114 Silver City, Frontera Verde, Ortigas Ave. cor C5 Road, Pasig City

 

Directory of Consultants

Dr. Lourdes K. Ledesma Neuropsychologist ·   Tues 9:00am-4:00pm (by appointment) Rm. 508 5th floor College of Medicine Bldg. St. Lukes Medical Center, QC Tel no. 7230101 loc. 3601            7275463 (direct line) ·   Suite 805 Kalaw Ledesma Condominium Tel no. 8164798, 8927206 Dr. Leticia Penano-Ho Psychologist/Counselor/Therapist Psychpros- every Mon/Sat c/o Zarah Tel no. 9266519, 9283654, 9280878 Dr. Lisa Dey Psychologist Mobile# 09178317543 In Touch Tel no. 8931893, 8937606, 8106223 Dr. Cornelio Banaag Child Psychiatrist NKTI- Tel no. 9243601 Dr. Sonia Rodriguez Child Psychiatrist St. Luke’s Hospital Ofc# 7230101 ext 2814 Dr. Alexis Reyes Developmental Pediatrician Rm 217 2/F main Bldg. Makati Medical Center Mon/Wed/Fri 8:00am – 6:00pm (by appointment) Tel no. 8159911 (ofc)           8925544 loc 7217 Dr. Anna Borgaily Developmental Pediatrician Suite 407 Medical Towers Tel no. 8188552 (Clinic-direct line)            8940415 Dr. Ma. Theresa Arranz-Lim Developmental Pediatrician Rm 205 2/F PM Bldg.  #26 N. Domingo St.  Q.C.  Tel No. 413-4611, 4134613 (ofc. #)              0917-8994693 (mobile #)

Dr. Christine Leonor Cruz-Conducto Neuro-Developmental Pediatrician St. Lukes Hospital 7230101 ext# 3601 Salcedo, Vilma Bagay   13-Aug    UP-PGH Medical Center; (02) 723-10-83St. Luke's Med Ctr. Med Arts Bldg Rm 524; (02) 302-54-70Rm 305 Don Santiago Bldg Taft Ave. Mla.; (02) 524-3011 Loc 4526Mla. Doctors Hospital Child Neuroscience Ctr.        rvmsalcedo@yahoo.com         Ms. Oona Mapua Learning Specialist 449 Adalla St. Palm Village Makati City, Philippines 1211 Mobile # 09175011374 Email address: una_kids@yahoo.com Grace Flores Educational Therapist Tel no. 4264984 (clinic)            0920-4076550 (mobile #) Dos Gallardo de Jesus Speech Pathologist 7232986 Genevive Rivaldo-Gao SPED Specialist Tel. no 7121189, 4118736 Mr. Vic Villanueva Reading Specialist Read-Ability Literacy Improvement Center 101 Chico Street, Project 2, Q.C. Tel no. 4337700 Mobile # +639092987686/+639178527491 Email address: teachervic@yahoo.com

Ideas for Teaching Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Hi there! I found this list in my portable data disk and I wish I could name the source. The list of ideas might help teachers who work with student with ADHD:

  

1. Understand the struggle a student with ADHD has and provide an ordered, safe, predictable classroom environment.

2. Establish a courteous, working relationship with the student’s parents. Learn about their child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and achievements outside of school. Ask what teaching methods have been most effective with their child. Communicate often and send encouraging notes home.

3. Make time to speak to the student individually. Be respectful and express interest in his or her success in school by asking how he or she learns best.

4. Decide together on a sign or a code that you can use to remind the child to be on task. For example, make eye contact and touch your ear or pick up a particular object. Or, you could hold up one or two fingers.

5. Make classroom rules clear and concise. Discuss them orally and post them for easy reference. Explain the consequences for misbehavior in understandable terms and enforce them consistently. Avoid power struggles.

6. Use a point system, tokens, stars, or other methods to reinforce appropriate behaviors

7. Notice and provide feedback on any improvement in the areas of behavior and academics . Avoid criticizing the child in front of others.

8. Give directions in simple, concrete terms. Simplify instructions, tasks and assignments. Have the child complete one step before introducing the second step.

9. Divide lessons into relatively short segments and use a variety of teaching aids such as films, tapes, computer programs and small group work to reinforce the child's learning.

10. Provide the ADHD student opportunities to display his or her skills, talents and/or leadership ability.

11. Prepare for transitions by providing a warning when a change is to occur. A musical clue may be helpful. Try playing classical music or a recording of nature sounds during work time.

12. Have all of the students stand and stretch, run in place, or do an exercise or movement activity when deemed necessary.

13. Color code paper for each subject. If available use off white, tan or light blue colored paper for written assignments.

14. Create schedules, outlines, lists, and/or a homework assignment book to help the student keep organized as well as to increase home/school communication. Tape a copy of the class schedule to the child's desk.

15. Modify required homework to accommodate students who are severely impacted with ADHD. Avoid busy, redundant assignment.

16. Direct young ADHD children to trace their handprints on the front and back of a folder to carry with them wherever they go. Have them place their hands on top of the traced ones to help them remember to keep their hands to themselves.

17. Pause before asking questions or ask the inattentive child a question to gain his or her focus. Use the student’s name or interests in neutral ways during discussions.

18. Walk around the room and pat the child gently on the shoulder or tap the place in the child’s book that is being read to help him or her stay on task.

19. Seat the ADHD child in close proximity to you and in the area that has the least amount of distractions and stimulation, i.e.doors, windows and active students. Or, sit the child by the pencil sharpener and let him or her get up and sharpen a pencil as often as needed.

20. Watch for signs of increasing stress in a hyperactive child. You may want to reduce the workload or provide an opportunity for the child to release some energy. For example, have the student deliver an “important letter” in a sealed envelope to another teacher or school secretary who understands the child’s need to move.

21. Provide opportunities for physical activity. Choose the hyperactive child to hand out papers or do other classroom jobs that can help release pent up energy and contribute to his or her feeling of self-worth.

22. Encourage the child to use self-monitoring techniques to help focus. For example, allow the him or her to rub velcro or another object attached to the underside of his desk or provide a soft ball for a student to squeeze. (Seek approval of any unusual technique from the principal and parent before use.)

23. Allow a student who seems to be sensitive to fluorescent light to wear a visor or baseball cap in class. Turn off the group of lights nearest the windows or dim the classroom lights.

24. Be flexible and allow a child with the ADHD disorder to stand up or squat in his chair if it helps the student complete assignments. Or, let him or her sit on the floor by you or on a large ball if that helps the child do the work. An air filled pillow or a quiet stationary exercise bike with a desk attached could also be used.

25. Furnish two desks facing each other or side-by-side for one ADHD student. The child can move freely back and forth or lounge between the desks as long as he or she stays on task and in the designated area.

26. Provide a cubicle or quiet area for the ADHD student to use when overwhelmed by classroom activity.

27. If necessary, furnish a specific area marked off by tape that is only his or her space that no one else can enter. In it the student can stand up, sit on the floor, or move around to complete assignments. However, the child must be quiet and remain in the area unless given permission to leave.

28. Encourage sensitivity as the child interacts with peers. If he or she lacks social awareness, it might be helpful to say something like, “Mary looked unhappy when you spoke to her. What is a kinder way to ask for something?” If the student interrupts peers often, remind the child to listen first before talking.

29. Have older students or volunteer parents serve as tutors for these students.

30. Establish a collaborative relationship with the special education teacher, school psychologist, school counselor, administrator and/or other specialist in the school to ascertain the best placement for the child with ADHD