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You Can Treat ADHD Without Drugs or Medication With the "Right" School.
by Mrs. C. Stradling, MS and Educational Administrator at Glenwood Academy, Maryland
As an Educational Administrator, I have noticed an increase in the number of students that are ADHD. Most parents feel after talking to a psychologist, that there is only one option - medication. Through my research and hands-on experiences of teaching children since 1974, I came across methods to successfully help a child with ADHD on the classroom.The first prong of my non-medicinal approach is a small class size. A child with ADHD should have no more than 15 kids in their class. Too many students in a class ,"over loads" the child's brain. There is just too much noise for the ADHD student which equals too many distractions.
Having a school day schedule that provides frequent wiggle breaks throughout their day makes a huge positive impact on the ADHD child. A student should not be sitting in their seat for long periods of time. Frequent breaks give them "mental breaks".
The second prong is exercise and sensory input. A child who is ADHD needs a learning environment (school) that uses the program, "Dynamic Physical Education". This curriculum provides the best combination of theoretical framework and hands-on activities available. It highlights the importance of teaching toward every student, emphasizes the daily connection between academics and Physical Education.
The third prong of my approach is using engaging multi-sensory materials in all subject areas throughout the child's day. One reading/writing program that the private school, Glenwood Academy, that I teach out uses is Project Read by Language Circle. It puts language in motion. Project Read has three curriculum strands: phonics, reading comprehension, and written expression. It is proven to cultivate knowledge, promote academic independence, and foster self-confidence.
By Mrs. C. Stradling, MS and Educational Administrator at Glenwood Academy in Mt. Airy, MD. Contact her at:410-489-6959, or via email at: administration@GlenwoodAcademy.com.
Disclaimer: Internet Special Education Resources (ISER) provides this information in an effort to help parents find local special education professionals and resources. ISER does not recommend or endorse any particular special education referral source, special educational methodological bias, type of special education professional, or specific special education professional.