DBE#4 - The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners

Quote: "An ounce of prevention, in the form of instruction matched to learning style, is worth years of remediation or special programs using inappropriate techniques."

Reflection: I think it is important for teachers to evaluate all possibilities when dealing with disruptive behaviors in the classroom. Sometimes medicating students is a form of discipline helpful to the teacher but not in the best interest of the child. I have worked in a primary care physician's office where children were routinely evaluated for ADHD. This evaluation usually consisted of a note from the teacher about unruly behavior and the parent's confirming frustration. I have seen inquisitive, bubbly children become virtual zombies from the effects of the medication.While a teacher has to look out for the benefit of the classroom as a whole, individuals should not be overlooked in the process. Classroom and lesson plan modification to accomodate unique learning styles, while maybe daunting to the teacher for the moment, can be extremely beneficial to the child for a lifetime. I think its best to treat individuals as individuals, evaluate each child's needs and accomodate to the best of our ability BEFORE resorting to medication.

The Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners.
Solving Your Child’s Reading Problems by Ricki Linksman; Fine Communications, March 1998.

Cartoon from uvm.edu