On one of the recent snow days, I sent a message to my friend Stephanie Letourneau and asked if she’d let me interview her for the podcast. She agreed, and I’m glad she did. What followed was an excellent discussion about helping our kids break down tasks, manage their emotions, and feel included.
Another topic we discuss is the challenging shift that occurs between 2nd and 3rd grade. This type of shift also happens between 3rd and 4th grade, and during the transitions from elementary to middle school, middle school to high school, and from high school to college. So, although the strategies Stephanie shares come from the perspective of a third grade classroom, they can be adapted across grade and age levels, and used both in school, and at home.
If you need any help adapting the ideas in this episode, feel free to contact me at Brendan@ADHDessentials.com.
And, as usual, I can be found at www.ADHDessentials.com.
Show Notes:
2:05 Why the transition from 2nd to 3rd grade is hard for students and for Stephanie
4:06 How the transition affects ADHD students
4:44 Learning to read vs. Reading to learn
6:43 Summer regression
7:06 Smash the Task!
7:13 The value of starting slow
8:08 Smash the Task Part II
9:57 One task at a time with clear instructions
10:16 Two kids with ADHD: One’s done, the other hasn’t started.
11:04 Brendan tries to translate the tips hiding in the story
13:10 Writing is thinking
13:45 Choice helps with engagement
14:44 But too much choice can be overwhelming
15:55 Know your kid’s learning styles
16:20 Things that work for ADHD kids are just good teaching strategies
16:32 School is not an office!
16:51 It’s not in the curriculum, but teaching kids to recognize their emotions matters
17:30 Slowing down the morning is about getting the emotions in line
17:56 10 minute guided meditations help with transition
18:40 Spaghetti toes
19:36 NOTE: An OT is an occupational therapist
20:13 Putting work into helping kids transition
21:05 Teaching strategies, development gaps, and the nature of ADHD
22:57 Grade-to-grade transitions, ADHD, and regression
24:25 Making sure their brains are ready
25:07 Allow time for transition. Even at home.
25:39 Alternative Seating
27:45 Systems and discussions help navigate seating (and other) conflicts.
28:11 ADHD kids like the rockers. (Tired kids do too!)
28:50 Go Noodle
29:38 Sometimes you have to stop and take a break
30:25 A lesson from Stephanie’s grandma
31:02 Meditation and “A Stitch in Time Save Nine”.
32:03 YouTube advocates lying to children
33:37 ADHD kids are more likely to be bullied
33:52 Making the classroom safe for everyone.
34:58 Creating an inclusive environment
35:29 Kindness Clipboards
37:36 We’re all in this together
38:45 Positive Attitude
39:13 Ending Essential
50: Talking to Our Kids About Sex (Our Context is Not Their Context) with Erika Miley, Mental and Sexual Health Therapist
49: Talking Organization with Cindy Jobs, Professional Organizer & ADHD Coach
48: An ADHD View from Down Under with Jon Hassall of Connect ADHD
47: The History of ADHD at School with Richard Kelley, Veteran Educator for Over Four Decades
46: This ADHD Life with Keith Griffin, ADHD Coach
45: Done is Better than Perfect at the International Conference on ADHD 2018
44: Parenting as Leadership with Tamara Rosier, PHD, BCC, ADHD Mom, and President of the ADHD Coaches Organization
43: Managing Self-Sabotaging Thoughts, Positive Psychology, and Upward Spirals of Emotion with Mindy Katz, ADHD Coach, Social Worker, and Parent with ADHD of Adult Kids with ADHD
42: Still the Kid Avoiding Her Homework with Rene Brooks of Black Girl, Lost Keys
41: ADHD and Unmet Needs in School with Mr. Kayerrook, High School English Teacher
40: Three Views on Awareness for ADHD Awareness Month, with Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., M.S. Your Awesomely Aware Audio Artist
39: Taking a Break, Intervening Early, and The Importance of Thinking Twice with Robbin Miller, LMHC, mother with ADHD of an adopted child with ADHD
38: The Calm Passion of Adam Wilson, founder of Calmer Con, and Father of a son on the Spectrum
"What Your ADHD Child Wishes You Knew" with Dr. Sharon Saline, Clinical Psychologist, ADHD Expert, and Author
36: Comics & ADHD with Dav Pilkey, Creator of Captain Underpants, and adult with ADHD (with special guest co-hosts: Nathan & Gavin Mahan)
35: Going on a Dopamine Hunt with Brendan Mahan, M.Ed., M.S., Your Happy Hunting Party Host
34: Unraveling ADHD from the 50s & 60s to Today, with Joyce Kubik, ADHD Coach, Parent with ADHD of kids with ADHD (and grandkids with ADHD)
33: ADHD Parents Palooza with Linda Roggli and Diane Dempster
32: What is a Special Education Advocate? with Melissa Carriveau, Special Education Advocate
31: Living the Modern History of ADHD, With Diann Wingert, LCSW, ADHD Coach, and mother with ADHD of children with ADHD
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