Wondering About Schooling

My son had the same problem. I had him tested for adhd, and he did not have it. So because the school would not help me, I had to pull him out and homeschool him and he is doing so much better.

Could you home-school? Time 4 Learning would be a great way to help get her caught up.
There could be my many reasons for the way she is behaving. My daughter acts they way if she eats anything with corn/corn syrup. Some children react to food dyes and even some react to the toxic cleaners that most people use.
I am a Wellness Consultant and when someone comes to me with this type of problem the first coarse of action is to remove all toxins in their house. That includes cleaning products and personal care products. Then I suggest a good Vitamins. After that I suggest a food log. See what might increase the behavior.
The best non-toxic products I have found come from Melaleuca.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any more questions

It sounds like she may have ADD. My dad is actually doing a lot of studies on different learning disabilities with ADD and ADHD being a main focus. She is probably very intelligent but loses interest quickly which is common in ADD/ADHD children. The medications help but in some cases may not be neccessary. My father found that adding a vitamin B6 works. The dose varies on age and weight and with the summer coming you can try it. Someone with ADD/ADHD can't store B6 in their brain so they have to have much larger doses than someone without ADD. People like you or I get enough of the vitamin through regular foods where someone with ADD needs closer to what you or I would think is a huge amount but for them it's just enough. He has run many tests and has come to the same conclusion. Doses have varied but outcome has been the same. If you would like more on this let me know and I can have him get with you on doses.

When your daughter gets home from school ask her what she learned in school today. Have reading and math for her to do if she has no home work. Test her skills by buying work books on her level and beyond. Work with the teacher. In all my years in teaching I've never had a child fail that had a caring interested parent.

As a former OT (occupational therapist) in the public schools, I cannot imagine why your daughter has not been referred for testing to see if she qualifies for Special Education services. She can be referred by a teacher, counselor, parent, etc. If she's having difficulty understanding and remembering most instructions, I would take her to a pediatric ENT-get her hearing tested (you may get referred to an audiologist) and rule out things such as Central Auditory Processing Disorder, etc. A fairly recent specialty for some audiologists and OT's is auditory integration training (AIT). See: www.aitinstitute.org. She should also be tested by a speech pathologist and an OT in the public school district. It seems sad to me that your daughter is being allowed to "slip through the cracks" in your public school system. Get assertive, learn the national and state education agency guidelines for special education, and get your daughter the help she deserves. Find a parent support group of children in special education, and network with the parents-they have been down a similar road and have learned a lot. Also, see if private insurance will pay for your daughter to get tested by a respected pediatric neuropsychologist-these professionals are trained to test for underlying neurological causes for learning difficulties. They will also offer practical suggestions for the teachers in terms of behavior management, and you can use this report to make a strong case to get follow-through in the school. Some school districts also have behavior specialists on staff-as part of the special education testing, you can request that a behavior specialist observe your daughter in the classroom setting, which is instrumental when meeting with the teachers, counselor, etc. to design an appropriate behavior plan for your daughter to be used both at school and at home. Before you make a decision re. public school vs. home school, get your daughter tested through the school district, and make sure she gets whatever services she deserves-I do not know the rules, but she may be eligible to receive help through the school district even if she is home-schooled. The home schoolers will know this. Best of luck! jenifer

I am a teacher and was really opposed to kids on medication but to see the difference in makes in a child's ability to retain information, it is AWESOME. My son has to take meds for ADD, he is not hyper just could not focus on the information the teacher was presenting. When he does not take his meds we get a note from the teacher. Stay in public school, have her tested but monitor the effects of the med is it making a difference.

Don't take her out of public school! It is there responsibility to meet EACH and EVERY child's needs. The first step is getting her tested! If she is ADHD then she will recieve medicine and you will see major improvements. If she does not have it, then at the beginning of next school year (too late in the year now) have her tested for a learning disability. Learning disablilities are more common than you think. That way the teacher is COMPLETELY responsible for accomodating your child's needs. Right now you child is walking around, talking, maybe even acting out because she is not understanding what is going on in the classroom.

As for what you can do over the summer is have a structured routine and schedule. One you can follow at least 3 days out of the week. Go to the public library once a week and have her read books that she CAN read, even if they are below her grade level. The library has a summer reading club that she can join too. This will be good motivation for her to read. If purchasing materials at a teacher supply store be mindful that she is not on grade level! Get materials for both 1st and 2nd grade that way you can meet her needs.

Consistancy and motivation is the key! Lots of praise does wonders. And as a publc school teacher I say THANK YOU for getting involved in your child's education! We really appreciate it! Good luck!

B.,

Unfortunately most of the people who have responded to your request do not support homeschooling. You are the mother and you have to do what is best for your child.

I just wanted to mention that there are a lot of benefits to homeschooling. There will be a 1 on 1 ratio w/the teacher! You can move at her pace and not the average pace. If she does really well in one area, she may go quickly to the next level. If she needs reinforcement in a different area, she can move more slowly. There is no opportunity for boredom for being ahead or for feeling stupid for not being on the same level as everyone else. There are so many different curriculum options that can fit her needs, learning style, personality, and interests. There are even on-line schools that she can do over the computer. The greatest benefit is that she will be successful. However, the major drawback is that you have to be willing to be dedicated to this and it is a big responsibility.

Changing her diet can also change her behavior. She may be sensitive to wheat (gluten) and milk. This food can even cause "brain fog" where she cannot think clearly. When I took my kids off of this food, I immediately saw them act calmer. Numerous people have told me that they noticed their behaviour was calmer too, not just me. My 3 yr old immediately began talking in longer sentences and expressing himself more. It was just like a fog was lifted. I noticed the same thing my self. I can think more clearly too.

I agree w/ getting the toxins out of your house too. Also taking the right kind of supplements can help too. I have interned w/ a holistic provider to do nutritional consulting and I homeschool my 5 kids. I have a masters degree in education and have taught in the public schools as well. The things I am telling you are not just theory! I know how the schools work from the inside out. If there is anything I can do at all to help you, please contact me! I feel very passionate about helping people, especially kids get the most out of their life!

Blessings,
M.
Mom to 5 Wonderful Kids
www.4MyChildrenSake.com

Hello B. my name is Bridgett I read your add that you had posted. I am a mother of three I have twin girls that are 7 and a son that is 5. When I read you read your add I thought about my daughter. She is in the first grade and will be in the second next year. She has had problems this year with school but she has tried her very best to do what she can. They have her in a program at school called reach that they put her in and it has helped out alot she is doing so well in school now. I don't know if the teacher has ever thought about putting your daughter in something like that. What the program is a more one on one time thing but there are more then one kid in there. What they does is go and work with another teacher where she help them work on what they are having problems with and they can focus alot better. I think if she was put in something like that then it would help her out alot you might look into having her put in something like that if she is not all ready. To me it sounds like that is what she might need is more one on one then just being with the teacher. Well I hope this might help you if you have anymore questions please feel free to email me back.

sincerly ,
Bridgett

Dear B., please do not take this the wrong way. I am not insinuating your child is not very smart; but, something is going on there. Speak with a counselor at school and get an evaluation. Take it from there. They can best tell you how to help her. That's what they are trained to do.

Best wishes. God bless.

I would defiantly test her to see what may be causing it so hard for her. This will give the answers on what to do. What ever the test results whither it is ADHD or something else there will be a answer and help out there. Don't give up on school until you know how to help her. Once you know you can try to work with the school to see if they can help. If all else fails then try to homeschool her or see about different types of private schooling. I know this seems over whelming but there is help you just need to find out the test results. It's hard for parents to think that there is something different about their child but there are many children with different types of troubles. They are all special and bright and with help you will find peace and so will she. I am glad to see that you are looking to see how to help her and not ignoring her troubles.

The ADHD testing is a good idea. If there is a way you can go to school and stay with her throughout a day it might give you some information. If she is able to "behave" then she may not be ADHD. Sometimes all kids need to know is you will come to school if they misbehave. Also, if learning is still a problem, you can have her tested for learning disabilities.
Good luck.
P.

As a former school teacher of 36 years; it sounds like she may have a learning disability which might be acerbated by adhd. I wouldn't just have her tested for ADHD; I'd have a complete evaluation done for all learning disabilities. Your local school district should be able to do that or tell you where you can have it done. It is expensive to have it done privately. Is she in 3rd grade or going to 3rd grade? What subjects are her weakest? I am currently a representative for a company who sells math kits which teach facts--addition/subtraction/multiplication & division. Children can't grasp the higher level concepts if they don't know their facts. If you'd be interested in learning more about my product feel free to email me at ____@____.com.

Hi there B.,
You're doing the right thing by having her tested and working with her this summer. A friend and I both are going through something similar with our daughters (mine is almost 13 and her's is 8).
My daughter was diagnosed with ADD when she was in 2nd grade and was medicated as her behavior was intereferring with her schoolwork. Over the course of 4 years we only needed to increase her dosage once; however, at the end of her 6th grade year we noticed that her medication was not really helping her anymore (even after a dose increase) she was starting to be disruptive in class and I was getting comments on her report card like "excessive talking" and "poor use of class time". We didn't want to up the dosage again so we decided to take her off the medication at the end of the school year and worked with her in the summer. Well, I learned that she was bored during the school year. When my daughter learned the concept, she was ready to move on and felt that repeated worksheets and staying on a topic for too long was a waste of her time and she tuned everything out and did her own thing. On the flip side, when she had difficulty with something, my daughter really needed extra 1:1 time with an instructor until she understood the material. Unfortunately, this has been a fight all year with her 7th grade teachers. They do not have the resources to help my daughter in the manner in which SHE learns best. We've had a lot of issues this school yet. Her teachers have let her turn in incomplete assignments 4 weeks after their due date and have given her full credit simply because "she's trying" and "doesn't have major learning disabilities" and "parents at this school just don't appreciate their child not getting full credit on all work they've done". To make a long story short, we've had enough of the public school system and have decided to homeschool her. Since we've made that decision, it's like a huge weight has been lifted from all of us!
Now, my friend's daughter...that's a different story. My friend went through everything (spoke to teachers, had her daughter evaluated, spoke to the school counselor, etc.) After all school year she just recently was able to get her daughter to open up about what was going on. It turns out that her daughter just feels like school is a waste of time and she'd rather be doing something else with her day. Unfortunately I'm not sure how she's going to approach that one since she just found out earlier this week.
My point is that you're doing the right thing by working with your daughter over the summer and having her evaluated. Should you choose to homeschool her you'll find that there's a lot of support in this area. If you'd like to contact me privately I'd be happy to share with you things that I've learned about homeschooling and share with you different resources in the area .

Stay patient,
A. W.

As a teacher, I recommend testing first. I would ask for a full battery of tests (including those for dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, auditory processing, etc.) from a neurologist. Once your daughter has a diagnosis, then you can proceed with schooling options. Based on what you've said, it looks like your daughter has a learning disability/difference, not necessarily ADHD. You can call Scottish Rite Learning Center in Austin for a testing recommendation. I wouldn't get her tested through the schools because they tend to not test for everything.

E

Please have the school test her for a learning disable as soon as possible. The school should have already done this on their own, but you as a parent should ask for it. She could have short term memory problem and many others things like audio sentory hearing. If this continues your child could get very depressed. The Schools by law are surpose to help her with extra help. Demand that they do that. There are many hotlines that can guide you for help with the schools. If I knew what town you lived in I may could get you the number to call. I am child advocate for this very purpose, to make the schools do what the law says they should. Just remember if she is language handicaped (short term memory, dyslic,etc) does not have to meet the standard devation scores of 16. Language hancicaped is except from that, but the schools most always lie about that.
Holding a child back can emotional destroy their self esteem and the other kids do make fun of them. They figure how old you are and what grade you should be in, kids are just like that, and they usually never tell their parents about what the kids are saying to them.

Just remember language handicap also memics ADD or ADHD.

HiBev,
i would not do anything until you have her tested ,and maybe for more then ADHD,but the people who are testing her will know there are many things that can becauseing this .Sorry to say i think they are mental dieses the school should have picked up on them,so shame on the school dist. your in,when you do find out let them know.But home schooling is not the answer ,kids to be around kids ,adults need to be around adoults ,you can not shelter her learning,then she will have no peiple skills.Good Luck
L.

uck

I don't know how far you are willing to drive, but there is a wonderful private school in Houston for children with learning differences, including ADHD. They offer summer school sessions.
http://www.thejoyschool.org/services/summerschool.htm

They help students identify their strengths and weaknesses, and their unique learning style. And teach them how to advocate for themselves even in a more traditional school setting.

Sounds like ADHD to me. There are several charter schools in town that are excellent for this type of learning. I can't remember the name, but there is one off of Cameron road that a friend sends her daughter to. They really work well with her ADHD and she had a wonderful year there . I think St. Francis School in Austin is also a good school for ADHD, but I'm not sure. The charter schools, however, are free !
good luck!
L.

It may not be ADD or ADHD, but it could be other learning disablities. I would suggest to have the school test her for learning disabilities.

Next, if the school can not provide the education that your child needs, then they will need to pay for her to go to a school that can meet her needs.

Homeschooling is another option, but I would definitely have her tested and then weigh all the options.

good luck!

B.,

The teachers should know what direction you should go. Did they now refer you to the school counselor? If they can't at least do that, you might want to think about switching schools who have teachers that at least have sense enough to refer to a counselor there in the school.

Darling, I wouldn't waste my money at no teacher supply store. She's 9, you probably should've started "teaching" her long before now.

Yes...you should request testing from the school. It's a free service. But, in the meantime, work with her at home by training her to sit still and not talk so darn much. It will take some time and effort on your part. Have her sit still on the couch, give her some flash cards (you can make them yourself) i.e. Math, Spelling, etc., give her a written exam (make it up on your computer), grade it...if she does good reward her with a sticker, lollipop, etc. If she decides to get up, have her sit her butt back down (tell her in order to continue and complete the assignment, she must be still - she won't be able to get her reward until she learns to sit still).

If she decides she doesn't want to listen, you're gonna have to get tough.

Write a letter to the Administrators of her campus requesting testing for a learning diaability.

I have a son who has ADD and has similar problems to your child. The public school in Albuquerque did not help him at all - they even made it worse. I am moving to Round Rock the middle of June. Anyway, what I did for him was to move him out of the public school and into a charter school with multi age and a teaching style of multiple intelligences. He has bloomed so, it is incredible. He actually enjoys school and cries on the last day! Sometimes a smaller school can more appropriately address the issues and make the necessary modifications. We were lucky in that the charter school here had an excellent diagnostician. You can request evaluations be done by the school and if you are not happy with them (such as you don't feel the diagnostician was effective or properly trained to evaluate your child) you can get an independent evaluation done by whomever you choose. Just let the school district know you want an independent eval and they will pay for it and they have to acknowledge it and use it. The schools will never tell parents about independent evals, so they will be a little shocked if you bring it up.

I did an independent eval for my oldest son who is deaf and the public school district was not happy about it, but they had to use the results.

Good luck.

J.
www.livetotalwellness.com/janislanz

Hi! B.,

I have a 9yr old son. He struggles with classroom directions also, I had him tested last year when he was in second grade.Thankfully he is not add/adhd. What we did find out is he has handwritting issues. And that the teacher would teach from the back of the room speaking to the childrens backs. We go to a private school which I thought would be a good enviroment for him but I'm learning that it really has nothing to do with where you send your kids only that you have a teacher that is aware and willing to help every child. That being said I was going to send him this school year to a homeschooling group in our area. He begged us to go back to his school this year because he thought it would be a better year. Well here we are at the end of the school year and after a parent info night at the school we found out that our 3rd grade class has the lowest scores on the standard test. That does not bode well with us. So, I guess the point I'm trying to make is do what your gut tells you. I am going to send him to the homeschooling group next year. I don't want him to get out of the habit of a classroom enviroment but I think a smaller group with someone that can be creative to encourage a child to learn is far better than a child that feels self defeated. I hope this helps!!!
Peggy Sue

I am sure she is a very bright little girl, however is sounds like she has a learning disability which is not at all her fault. You need to find someone who can evaluate her properly...like the test in June. Once the test results come back, or even now, research what "exceptional child" programs they offer at the school. Talk to the principal and ask her what they will do if she is diagnosed with a disability. I would not home school her unless you can get some training on teaching children with learning difficulties. Also there are often medications that can counteract the ADD/ADHD and help her mind to slow down so she can focus. You will need to get in touch with your family doctor or pediatrician and ask their advice about that. Good luck, God bless.

Sounds like testing for ADHD will be helpful. Also you should look into Montessori. The classroom allows for much more movement between and during lessons. It might be a good fit for her.

Good luck.

Request dsylexia screening. Dsylexia in children is sometimes missed as adhd. They have trouble focusing, following directions and keeping up with class work. I know, my son has dsylexia.They need extra time and special classes catered to their needs. My son is very smart, he is a wiz at figuring things out, building items and problem solving but he lags so far behind in class. Request screening, if not by the school done then demand it! Dsylexia falls under special education, make sure your school follows thur- if they do not make your voice heard. Good luck.

Do test for ADHD as soon as possible and try out whatever intervention they suggest. To get her caught up, I would recommend a remediation program such as Sylvan or a private tutor that is a certified teacher. The reason I recommend Sylvan is due to the diagnostic testing to pinpoint those weaknesses. She could be good to go by the time school rolls around again, it is quite possible. Better get started quick and GOOD LUCK! Homeschooling I would use as a last resort due to the other factors that are drawbacks. IF all else fails, look into the homeschooling in your area.

Best of luck to you!

Have you ever tested her IQ...I say this because some kids just get bored and don't have enough to keep them intrigued. They sometimes get passed up for being bad kids, or ADHD!!!!

Hello B.,

I am a Dyslexia Specialist in Midland. Dyslexia is a language processing disorder which effects a child's ability in many areas of learning. Please go to www.brightsolutions.us and watch a free video, "Could it Be Dyslexia?" I ask all my parents to watch it and they ALWAYS say WOW!!!!! I wish I had known this earlier. Dyslexia is the most COMMON reason a child struggles in school. ADD does go with dyslexia about 1/2 the time, but just "fixing" this will not help her learning problems if she has dyslexia. You can call me after you watch the video if you have questions, 432-57-4400. Don't wait because a child does NOT outgrow these difficulties. L.

P.S. I read one of your other responses about trying Sylvan. DO NOT DO THAT! If your dtr has dyslexia, it will not help and many parents have spent $20,000 or more with NO results. Again, call me and I'll help you find the help you need. L.

She is at the age where a lot of learning issues surface. I would start with having her evaluated for learning disabilities and delays. You can get a referral from your pediatrician for a global assessment which is usually done by a pediatric therapist. They will pick up adhd, add, dyslexia, autistic tendencies, anything that is out of the norm.

Then I would seriously consider homeschooling - it has worked wonders for us. The public school systems are legally bound to "meet her needs" but in the real world in which we live, that does NOT happen due to under staffing and no budget. Homeschooling is so much easier for any special need. Good luck.

Home school might not be such a good idea.
I have heard that it is soon to become a law, that for someone to teach home school they have to attain a Teaching Certification.
So unless you have this, I wouldn't get into home school.
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Here is the name of a new supplement, I am trying myself, it seems to be working okay.
Synaptol
Go to the sight, and see if you might be interested in it.
Good Luck