Option 1
Research can be very beneficial to children and their families. When I first had the feeling that I wanted to explore the education field, I started visiting my Mom’s school. Any opportunity that was presented I made sure I was at the school to be present so I could observe. At the time my Mom was teaching the fourth grade. Her class was well behaved until about after Christmas when a new student arrived. The child was making a transition to this school because his parents were getting a divorce. The student showed extreme signs of not paying attention or being able to stay focus on simple task, not completing homework, forgetful, couldn’t stay still and had problem being courteous and waiting his turn. The problems were causing his grades to decrease and his mother became very concerned. At time when I was present, the Mom would come and peer into the window of the classroom door, checking to see if his behavior was consistent at the home and at school. My Mom and the boy’s Mom decided to research his behavior and realized his symptoms resembled ADHD symptoms. Of course this was a speculation and wanted a doctor to confirm it. However, the Mom was adamant that she didn’t want the boy on medication if this were the case. Together they researched alternatives such as new behavioral methods or counseling. After taking the boy to the doctor, it was confirmed that he did have ADHD. If it were not for doing research everyone would have assumed the boy was having behavior problems because of the divorce. The boy started receiving counseling and over a course of months there was noticeable change. Research made a tremendous impact because it help change this boy’s life for the better.
Kimberly
ReplyDeleteI have witnessed a similar situation such as yourself. You were observing 4th graders how about I have seen it in preschoolers and 1st graders. The began to act out because of situations at home, but the odd part is how some people always think their behaviorial problem made need medical attention have people ever thought about their home life. I'm not that big supporter of giving children ADHD medications because I have seen it turn a child to a completely different person and it makes them in a state of depression whenever they take it. But Im glad your mom did see fit to assist the child and his mother, but do you think it could have been another way to treat him.
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteMy son had ADD and medication has made such a difference in his life. Although I know medication is seems controversal to some, it made a big difference in him and in students that I have had in the past. I think when children are acting out, we need to search for answers and take action to make our students productive members of society.
I have seen situations like this with my kindergarteners. I have had them to act out when things are not right at home. I especially see a change when a new baby is on the way or has just arrived. A diagnosis of ADHD can definitely help but I feel that some children are thrown into that category too easily.
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