New Strategy Helps Kids Learn

The strategy is called SLANT and was developed by researchers at Kansas University. It was initially developed for special needs children, but researchers have since discovered that it works best with ADD or ADHD students.

"In the SLANT strategy, the S stands for 'Sit up straight', the L stands for 'Lean Forward', the A stands for 'Activate your thinking', the N stands for 'Note key idea' (littler ones, 'Nod and smile' works better), the T stands for 'Track the talker'."

Teachers can create posters to place around the room, or even note cards that can be taped to students' desks. Then, when a student is not paying attention, all the teacher has to say is "SLANT" or "everyone needs to SLANT". The students know what it means and are reminded to sit up straight and pay attention.

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Teaching Attention

A special education teacher in Manhattan has developed a unique way of teaching her kids to pay attention. A pre-recorded chime is played four times during her class, and students with attention problems are asked to record - on a scale of 0 to 4 - how much they were paying attention when the chime sounded.

"The students average and compile these results from their 'Attention Monitoring Check Sheets' monthly, graph their attention spans, and set goals for the next month."

The Manhattan teacher has seen excellent results from this practice. Students become aware of the times when they're more likely to be distracted, and they have a visual representation of their improvement.

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A Guide to Teaching ADHD Students

A child with ADHD spends as much time in the classroom as any other child, so his teacher's ability to interact well and teach effectively is vital. This article from David Blitz gives tips for teachers who have ADHD students.

"The first step in being successful in teaching an ADHD student is being able to develop with him/her a good rapport and a positive relationship. Like with any other student, the ADHD student is more likely to respond to you positively and you are more likely to be able to help them reach their true academic potential if your interaction with them is in a positive and non-judgmental manner."

Other tips include using positive reinforcement, creating a good learning environment, and breaking down lessons into smaller segments that are easier for an ADHD child to understand.

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"They Say I Have ADHD. I Say Life Sucks!"

This unusual title conveys the most basic feeling that many young people have who are diagnosed with ADHD. The book was written by Lisa-Ann Ray-Byers, and follows the main character - Nicholas - who's been diagnosed with ADHD.

"Ray-Byers, a speech-language pathologist, wrote the book to inspire empathy in parents, teachers, administrators, and even psychological and neurological specialists. She also strived to demonstrate the thoughts and feelings behind many of the behaviors exhibited by children who have ADHD and to put into words what most young children can not."

Ray-Byers not only has a son with ADHD, but was diagnosed with ADHD herself when she was a child. Most of the book's content is drawn from her and her son's own experiences. Read more online.

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Hyper Kid, Honored Teacher

Marshall Zaun says that he was an ADHD kid before the disorder was ever recognized, diagnosed, or treated. Now 38-years old, Zaun not only managed to graduate from high school, but he graduated valedictorian. He went on to become a teacher, and was recently named the Lancaster (California) School District's Teacher of the Year.

"The son of a school nurse and a car designer, Zaun entered a regular high school but after a month switched to Silverado Continuation High School in Mission Viejo because of poor attendance... and because his mother thought it better to try a different route."

He credits his high school English teacher as being the one who "reached him" and influenced him to become a teacher, despite his ADHD. Read more at DailyNews.com.

Asperger's Syndrome in Children and Teens is considered a form of high-functioning autism. Learn more at YourLittleProfessor.com.

Transitional Class Helps Students Prepare for First Grade

In Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Thames Elementary school has launched its first "transitional first-grade" classroom. The classroom is made up of just a few students, and is intended to help children with ADHD and other behavioral or learning challenges develop the skills they need to transition into first-grade.

"Teacher Candace Hill's class is smaller, which means more one-on-one time. And lessons are tailored to each individual child. Some students go to a first-grade classroom for lessons, to ease the transition into second grade."

The parents of all 11 children in this first class agree that it's the best place for their children. Read more at ClarionLedger.com.