We have moved to a brand new site. Please come visit us at www.adhd-inattentive.com. You can subscribe to the feed at www.adhd-inattentive.com/feed.
See you there!
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, September 25, 2009
Handwriting on the Desk and Other Random Parenting Hints
Handwriting on the Desk and Other Random Parenting Hints
If your child is in elementary school and keeps forgetting the same things, type up a "to do" list and tape it to their desk. When one of our sons was in fourth grade, the teacher had encouraged her children children to do this - not just ADHD kids. I saw 'how to label a paper', 'what to pack for home', 'what to unpack in the morning', and 'before I speak'. (I'm not saying whose that was!) It's a life skill to make lists, so all children should learn how.
If in the chaos of changing classes, your middle schooler can't remember what's needed for each class, here's a hint for you. It was sent in by Barbara. "My eleven year old son…just started middle school. Everyday he leaves with an index card in his back pocket. On the index card is his schedule for that particular day. We list the subjects in order along with the classroom locations. He is allowed two locker stops during the day and one at the end of the day. On the index card we note the times for locker stops with a bold black line. Then he knows which books to take with him to classes, until the next locker stop. Otherwise he would probably carry all of his books with him, all day long, for fear he would forget something. It works for us!"
Get your children in the habit of saying positive things. One family I know has a "best thing" time each night at dinner. Each member of the family - even the teenagers! - tells the most positive thing that happened to them that day. Another encouraging exercise is to go around the table and have each person say something positive about the other family members. Of course, our oldest son's favorite compliment used to be, "He's got an awesome big brother." Ron turned 23 yesterday. He'd probably say the same thing if we did this tonight. :)
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
If your child is in elementary school and keeps forgetting the same things, type up a "to do" list and tape it to their desk. When one of our sons was in fourth grade, the teacher had encouraged her children children to do this - not just ADHD kids. I saw 'how to label a paper', 'what to pack for home', 'what to unpack in the morning', and 'before I speak'. (I'm not saying whose that was!) It's a life skill to make lists, so all children should learn how.
If in the chaos of changing classes, your middle schooler can't remember what's needed for each class, here's a hint for you. It was sent in by Barbara. "My eleven year old son…just started middle school. Everyday he leaves with an index card in his back pocket. On the index card is his schedule for that particular day. We list the subjects in order along with the classroom locations. He is allowed two locker stops during the day and one at the end of the day. On the index card we note the times for locker stops with a bold black line. Then he knows which books to take with him to classes, until the next locker stop. Otherwise he would probably carry all of his books with him, all day long, for fear he would forget something. It works for us!"
Get your children in the habit of saying positive things. One family I know has a "best thing" time each night at dinner. Each member of the family - even the teenagers! - tells the most positive thing that happened to them that day. Another encouraging exercise is to go around the table and have each person say something positive about the other family members. Of course, our oldest son's favorite compliment used to be, "He's got an awesome big brother." Ron turned 23 yesterday. He'd probably say the same thing if we did this tonight. :)
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Focus Pocus
"Focus Pocus" was Ron's Facebook status the other day. I didn't ask him about it, but I can only imagine why he posted. Maybe in the throes of studying, Facebook beckoned. More likely, in the throes of Facebooking, his conscience called him to study.
Anyhow, it's a great title. There are many little 'magical' strategies that help improve focus. None of them work all of the time - nothing works all of the time for our kids! All of them work some of the time, and chances are one of the following will work for you today:
Limit the Viewing Area - Cut down on distractions by limiting what the eye can see - or what the ear can hear.
Take It In Spurts Hooked on Phonics taught me this strategy - and boy does it work. Break things down into smaller bites, like a telephone number.
Keep the Real Task in Mind - There are multiple skills at use for each task your child is given. It's important to figure out the primary purpose of an exercise, and make sure that is where the major focus is placed. In order to do this, it's okay to occasionally do some of the non-focus stuff for your kids. You should let the teacher know when (and why) you give extra help.
Inspired by Ron, I'm getting ready to release a new guide called "Focus, Pocus". In it, you'll find hint after hint for helping your child to pay attention. If you'd like advance notification for "Focus Pocus", sign up for the newsletter.
See you there!
Kayla
PS You can also sign up at the website at www.goaskmom.com.
Anyhow, it's a great title. There are many little 'magical' strategies that help improve focus. None of them work all of the time - nothing works all of the time for our kids! All of them work some of the time, and chances are one of the following will work for you today:
Limit the Viewing Area - Cut down on distractions by limiting what the eye can see - or what the ear can hear.
- When reading, use a plain 3x5 or 4x6 index card with a small area cut out in the center for lines of print to show when reading. This blocks out everything on the page except what is being read. Make your own, or purchase this Typoscope for fifty cents.
- In class or at home, give your child a study carrel. It can be as elaborate as the ones they use at the library, or as simple as a box cut out. (When Joe was in fourth grade, that's what his teacher used.) Check out these, which are cheaper than I ever imagined: ClassroomProducts.com.
- Have your child do homework in an area that is visually plain. Limit things on the wall, on shelves, on the floor. Close the door, or block the view with a sheet. My office - which used to be study central - still has only one picture on the wall.
- Keep the television off - even if it's in the next room. Our guys could hear - and pay attention to - the television if it were on downstairs and across the house. We had the unpopular rule of no television for anybody on school nights. I know, we're strange.
Take It In Spurts Hooked on Phonics taught me this strategy - and boy does it work. Break things down into smaller bites, like a telephone number.
- Instead of giving your child one page with 20 math problems, copy the problems five at a time onto four sheets of paper. You can copy by hand or using a photocopier with an enlarger.
- When your child has material to read, change it up. Read the first section to your child, have her read the next section aloud to you, then read the third section silently. As always, make sure the material is understood.
- Make small goals/rewards for work. Section an orange, and say, write two definitions, then have a section. Do part one of the homework contract, and run out and get the mail.
Keep the Real Task in Mind - There are multiple skills at use for each task your child is given. It's important to figure out the primary purpose of an exercise, and make sure that is where the major focus is placed. In order to do this, it's okay to occasionally do some of the non-focus stuff for your kids. You should let the teacher know when (and why) you give extra help.
- If your child has problems in the math book, you copy them onto the paper. (It's about math, not copying.)
- Occasionally, read social studies out loud to your child, instead of having him read it silently. (The important part is the content.)
- Gather everything needed for the homework session. (Work on organization tomorrow!)
Inspired by Ron, I'm getting ready to release a new guide called "Focus, Pocus". In it, you'll find hint after hint for helping your child to pay attention. If you'd like advance notification for "Focus Pocus", sign up for the newsletter.
See you there!
Kayla
PS You can also sign up at the website at www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, September 14, 2009
ADHD Hint - Saving Time & Money
A long time ago, a friend of mine had the coolest system that she used to simplify her life during school. She cooked all at once on the weekend, and made meals for the entire week. Then she stuck the meals in her freezer, and used them on those busy school nights when she would have ordinarily gone out for fast food. It's an idea whose time has come back around.With the busi-ness of school, the tightness of our pocketbooks, and the new awareness of just how unhealthy restaurant food can be, it's really time to give home-cooked meals a second chance. Those of us with ADHD kids have added reason to save time and serve more nutritious meals. I've just found a guide that will help you do just that. I love it! It's called "Freezer Cooking Made Simple", and it makes meal cooking easy, but since you do it mostly all at once - it makes it fast. You owe it to yourself - and your family - to take a look at this deliciously practical guide at HillbillyHousewife.com. Check it out. You'll thank me next time this week!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
An Encouraging Word - And ADHD Success Story
It's always so encouraging when readers send in success stories. Here's a great one*.
Our oldest, an eighteen year old boy, has matured so much in the last year. A little over a year ago, he wasn't that connected to the youth group, hadn't found his spot, he was at a deadend with school and gravatating to "friends" who were probably only good for providing him with self medicating products which we were watching extra closely. Then he lost his best friend, who died from an accident a year ago. Since then, we found (no - God led us to ), an amazing sports program that started out being for homeschool boys and ended up also including at risk kids as well. It is led by some of the most Godly men I've ever met - with a heart for seeing these young boys grow into Godly men. Our son joined a team for the first time in his life. He now attends their school and comes home, sits down to homework, gets up early to work on homework without me asking - a miracle in this house. He also tried out and joined the youth band as the drummer.
He found his spot. He's been overseas on a mission's trip, and is now interning at the church in the youth group over all youth events and worship activities with a college graduate who has become his mentor. This week he's leading the band in an entire set of songs that not only glorify God but are a remembrance of his friend's life...All that to say, as moms, as parents, we know God has a purpose for them and when it doesn't follow the path and pattern that most seem to follow, it just makes us dig in a little deeper to help them find their way to success and their purpose because we know its there.
I'd love for you to add your success story in the comment section below. We all need an encouraging word now and then!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
*Note that the names and details are changed for the sake of privacy:
Our oldest, an eighteen year old boy, has matured so much in the last year. A little over a year ago, he wasn't that connected to the youth group, hadn't found his spot, he was at a deadend with school and gravatating to "friends" who were probably only good for providing him with self medicating products which we were watching extra closely. Then he lost his best friend, who died from an accident a year ago. Since then, we found (no - God led us to ), an amazing sports program that started out being for homeschool boys and ended up also including at risk kids as well. It is led by some of the most Godly men I've ever met - with a heart for seeing these young boys grow into Godly men. Our son joined a team for the first time in his life. He now attends their school and comes home, sits down to homework, gets up early to work on homework without me asking - a miracle in this house. He also tried out and joined the youth band as the drummer.
He found his spot. He's been overseas on a mission's trip, and is now interning at the church in the youth group over all youth events and worship activities with a college graduate who has become his mentor. This week he's leading the band in an entire set of songs that not only glorify God but are a remembrance of his friend's life...All that to say, as moms, as parents, we know God has a purpose for them and when it doesn't follow the path and pattern that most seem to follow, it just makes us dig in a little deeper to help them find their way to success and their purpose because we know its there.
I'd love for you to add your success story in the comment section below. We all need an encouraging word now and then!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
*Note that the names and details are changed for the sake of privacy:
Friday, August 21, 2009
Spelling Success for Back to School
Back to school. Whether you approach this time of year with anticipation or dread, it's about to happen. New teachers and classes, different rules and expectations, leave children and parents overwhelmed with excitement and anxiety. Below are six ways to send your child back to school with success.
Supplies - Most schools provide a list of essentials for each child to bring on the first day of class. Make sure your child has exactly what is requested, and save enough cash for those supply needs that crop up the first week of class. Stock up on all types of paper, writing utensils, art supplies, notebooks and folders during the back to school sales. Gather an assortment of calculators and reference books. There is nothing that gives confidence like the satisfaction of having just the right tool for the job. Check out our families' comprehensive list of supplies at http://www.goaskmom.com/MomsToDo/Staples_ADHD.html.
Communication - While summer is still in session, visit the school and meet the secretary and principal. Limit yourself to brief introductions, but offer your support to help make a great school year. Leave your name, telephone and email so the school can contact you if they need help. The first week of school, write the teacher a letter introducing your child, and briefly listing strengths and weaknesses. Share important information such as family situation and medical needs. Finally, tell the teacher you would like to meet during the second month of school to strategize ways to work together for your child's education.
Habits - Children usually crave routine. A couple of weeks before school, transition children to the schedule they will follow once the year begins. Send them to bed and have them get up earlier. Adjust mealtimes. Once school is in session, quickly establish routines for homework and chore. Make it a habit to prepare the next day's clothes, lunches, and school gear each evening.
Orientation - Familiarize your child with the all the places she will be during the school day. Follow the bus or car pool route. Arrange a visit to the school before it begins. Practice the route into the building. Find the bathrooms, the library, and the lunchroom. If your child is in middle or high school, let them walk their schedule until they feel comfortable. See if there are volunteer opportunities that will help your teen to feel more at home in the maze of corridors that line most campuses.
Organization - Buy into the adage "a place for everything, and everything in its place". A two drawer file cabinet works well as a center to organize a child's school/home communication, backpacks, shoes, and homework. Each afternoon, school gear and shoes go in. Before bed, add clothes, bookbag, notes and homework for the next day. In the morning, everything is in one spot, and makes it easier for the child to get dressed and ready. (For an ingenious organizing tool designed especially for our boys, check out our new "PAC-kit" student planner!)
Love - Insensitive classmates, missed buses, forgotten homework and misunderstood math can make school a traumatic place. Shield your child by expressing your love over and over again. Tell her you love her. Give him a hug. Hide a love note or symbol in an Algebra book. Offer your time, your understanding, and your prayers. With the teacher as your partner, wrapping your children in love is the best way to spell a successful beginning to the school year.
PS Again, one of the best back to school tools ever is "PAC-kit" student planner
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Three Tips for … Back to School
Thanks to Alana Morales for this great guest post!
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Back to school time is quickly approaching – are you ready? I know I am. My kids need a set routine and unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can’t provide enough structure for them. They are ready to be back around their friends and I am ready for them to burn off some energy during the day.
Heading back to school means heading back into the land of homework, morning rituals and killer time management strategies. Here are three tips to help you prepare for the craziness of going back to school.
1. Student readiness. Sit down with your child and come up with some goals for the next school year. Once you decide on a few (I would say no more than 5), find a place to post them (inside of binder, over desk) and then make a plan on how you will reach those goals. Keep these in an easy to reach place as well.
Once this is figured out, try to come up with a school organizational plan. Who will go through the backpack daily? Where? Where will homework be placed? What about field trip notes, class newsletters, etc? Try to have this all figured out before school begins to keep things streamlined.
2. Teacher Readiness. Have you prepared a letter to your student’s teacher? Even if you don’t know who their teacher is, you can still write a draft of a letter or email. Explain your child’s ADHD, explain the accommodations that seem to work best for them and you can even tell about the type of support they can expect from you at home.
Being proactive will let the teacher know that you are ready to be an integral part of your child’s education. Just be sure to approach everything positively so, otherwise the teacher may be worried about what they will be dealing with for the school year.
3. Your Readiness. OK, so I’ve told you how to get your child and your child’s teacher ready for the new school year, but what about you? What have you done for yourself lately? Maybe you could go out for a nice quiet dinner, a pedicure or even a massage before the craziness of the year hits your family. One of the most important factors in your childs success is your attitude and ability to help them. If you are recharged, you will have more patience to deal with the challenges you will undoubtedly face. Don’t think of it as being selfish; think of it as a way to help you run at optimal efficiency. You need to be on your toes so much that you need to remember to take time for yourself as well.
Remember, getting things ready before school starts can make a big difference in preparing your family with as little stress as possible for an ADHD family. Enjoy!
Have a question about your child’s education? You can also follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales.com for my mom and ADHD tips. More tips available at my online ADHD blog – www.MommyADD.com.
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
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Back to school time is quickly approaching – are you ready? I know I am. My kids need a set routine and unfortunately, as hard as I try, I can’t provide enough structure for them. They are ready to be back around their friends and I am ready for them to burn off some energy during the day.
Heading back to school means heading back into the land of homework, morning rituals and killer time management strategies. Here are three tips to help you prepare for the craziness of going back to school.
1. Student readiness. Sit down with your child and come up with some goals for the next school year. Once you decide on a few (I would say no more than 5), find a place to post them (inside of binder, over desk) and then make a plan on how you will reach those goals. Keep these in an easy to reach place as well.
Once this is figured out, try to come up with a school organizational plan. Who will go through the backpack daily? Where? Where will homework be placed? What about field trip notes, class newsletters, etc? Try to have this all figured out before school begins to keep things streamlined.
2. Teacher Readiness. Have you prepared a letter to your student’s teacher? Even if you don’t know who their teacher is, you can still write a draft of a letter or email. Explain your child’s ADHD, explain the accommodations that seem to work best for them and you can even tell about the type of support they can expect from you at home.
Being proactive will let the teacher know that you are ready to be an integral part of your child’s education. Just be sure to approach everything positively so, otherwise the teacher may be worried about what they will be dealing with for the school year.
3. Your Readiness. OK, so I’ve told you how to get your child and your child’s teacher ready for the new school year, but what about you? What have you done for yourself lately? Maybe you could go out for a nice quiet dinner, a pedicure or even a massage before the craziness of the year hits your family. One of the most important factors in your childs success is your attitude and ability to help them. If you are recharged, you will have more patience to deal with the challenges you will undoubtedly face. Don’t think of it as being selfish; think of it as a way to help you run at optimal efficiency. You need to be on your toes so much that you need to remember to take time for yourself as well.
Remember, getting things ready before school starts can make a big difference in preparing your family with as little stress as possible for an ADHD family. Enjoy!
Have a question about your child’s education? You can also follow me on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales.com for my mom and ADHD tips. More tips available at my online ADHD blog – www.MommyADD.com.
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Memorization Hint...
The human mind remembers best the first and last things it encounters. This is why telephone numbers and social security numbers are hyphenated. When studying with your child, sometimes it helps to break the sessions into small sets of information, so there are more beginnings and ends. If you have 20 vocabulary words, for example, study the first five after school, the second set right before dinner, the third set after dinner, and the last before bed.
Like this hint? Then you need to check out Memory Training for Students? For those of you that got the program, don't you love it? Write and tell me how it's going for you! If you missed my plug last week...Memory Training for Students teaches very powerful techniques to solve the problem of memorizing the information students need to know. It's great for school, and it's great for life. (Yes, I've used the stuff!) If you and your child have reviewed information over and over, only to have it disappear at test time or shortly thereafter, you need Memory Training. The program is an instant download of a set of five audio .mp3's and a workbook. They are fun to listen to, and easy to follow. Go check it out now, and then forward this newsletter to others - your child's teacher, your best friend, your family…
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Like this hint? Then you need to check out Memory Training for Students? For those of you that got the program, don't you love it? Write and tell me how it's going for you! If you missed my plug last week...Memory Training for Students teaches very powerful techniques to solve the problem of memorizing the information students need to know. It's great for school, and it's great for life. (Yes, I've used the stuff!) If you and your child have reviewed information over and over, only to have it disappear at test time or shortly thereafter, you need Memory Training. The program is an instant download of a set of five audio .mp3's and a workbook. They are fun to listen to, and easy to follow. Go check it out now, and then forward this newsletter to others - your child's teacher, your best friend, your family…
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Three Tips for Finishing Out the School Year - By Alana Morales
Ending the school year can be a joyous time. A time to look forward to a few months of no homework, a time to work on building skills (and not just video game skills) and a time for siblings to drive each other crazy on a much bigger scope. It's also a time to remain diligent about studies - you don't want to have your student trip up at the end of the year and undo all their hard work for the school year.
Here are my top three factors to keep in mind as you finish out the school year:
1. End of the Year Review. Talk to your student's teacher to get an assessment of your child's strengths and weaknesses. It will also be a good idea to get an idea of what you will need to be mindful of for the next school year. Some areas you can cover are:
This is a time to get a complete overview of your child's academic progress over the year and plan for next year. It doesn't have to be a long, arduous process - send an email asking what you need to know. If you explain your purpose to the teacher, they should be more than willing to help out and provide feedback.
2. Keep Up with Social Skills. Since social skills can be a sticky areas for ADHD kids, find ways to maintain their friendships over the long summer. Have your student get phone numbers or email addresses of their favorite classmates so they can keep in touch.
To help your child foster new friendships, find a summer activity for them to participate in. Summer school or recreational classes are great and affordable ways to get your kids involved and keep them off the couch this summer. Your local newspaper is another great place to find local camps. Some areas even have camps that are specifically for ADHD kiddos.
3. Start Your Preparation for the Next Year. I know it seems early, but think about and brainstorm for the next school year. Here are some of the things to think about:
Stay tuned for the summer issues, where I will discuss 504 plans, ADHD binders and easy and fun summer enrichment ideas.
Have a question about your child's education? Email me at add@alanamorales.com to have your question answered.
Author Bio:
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom's Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. She is also a veteran English teacher and the mom of two ADHD kids. Despite being an English teacher, she dearly values her Psychology degree and is impressed at how often it comes in handy. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Here are my top three factors to keep in mind as you finish out the school year:
1. End of the Year Review. Talk to your student's teacher to get an assessment of your child's strengths and weaknesses. It will also be a good idea to get an idea of what you will need to be mindful of for the next school year. Some areas you can cover are:
- Classroom Accommodations
- Academic areas of strength
- Academic areas to work on over the summer
- Any social skill concerns
- Organizational skills they might need in an advanced grade
- Medication issues - review the coverage the meds provided so you know if you need to decrease or increase for the following year.
This is a time to get a complete overview of your child's academic progress over the year and plan for next year. It doesn't have to be a long, arduous process - send an email asking what you need to know. If you explain your purpose to the teacher, they should be more than willing to help out and provide feedback.
2. Keep Up with Social Skills. Since social skills can be a sticky areas for ADHD kids, find ways to maintain their friendships over the long summer. Have your student get phone numbers or email addresses of their favorite classmates so they can keep in touch.
To help your child foster new friendships, find a summer activity for them to participate in. Summer school or recreational classes are great and affordable ways to get your kids involved and keep them off the couch this summer. Your local newspaper is another great place to find local camps. Some areas even have camps that are specifically for ADHD kiddos.
3. Start Your Preparation for the Next Year. I know it seems early, but think about and brainstorm for the next school year. Here are some of the things to think about:
- What can I do differently?
- What worked?
- Is there anything I can streamline to make it easier for me/my child/my family?
- What supplies do you need to replenish your homework center? You can gradually add to this over the summer to prevent the before school rush.
- Updating your child's ADHD binder. Don't have one? In a future column, I will cover the basics of organizing an ADHD binder so you have all your students' information in one handy location.
Stay tuned for the summer issues, where I will discuss 504 plans, ADHD binders and easy and fun summer enrichment ideas.
Have a question about your child's education? Email me at add@alanamorales.com to have your question answered.
Author Bio:
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom's Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. She is also a veteran English teacher and the mom of two ADHD kids. Despite being an English teacher, she dearly values her Psychology degree and is impressed at how often it comes in handy. You can learn more about the author at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Free Learning Styles Assessment Test
A Learning Styles Assessment is right for you if you answer most of these questions "Yes!"
•Are you frustrated with your child's low grades or lack of motivation?
•Is your homelife stressful due to homework hassles and poor report cards?
•Have you tried absolutely everything to help your child get higher grades?
•Do you have a bright child who seems to know information, then forgets it during the test?
•Are you truly serious about doing something different to help your child succeed?
Finding out your child's learning style with is key to helping your child really learn.
Get a free assessment of your child's learning style, and watch it raise grades and test scores! You'll find out how your child's personal learning style can create higher grades in 14 days with your free learning styles assessment!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
•Are you frustrated with your child's low grades or lack of motivation?
•Is your homelife stressful due to homework hassles and poor report cards?
•Have you tried absolutely everything to help your child get higher grades?
•Do you have a bright child who seems to know information, then forgets it during the test?
•Are you truly serious about doing something different to help your child succeed?
Finding out your child's learning style with is key to helping your child really learn.
Get a free assessment of your child's learning style, and watch it raise grades and test scores! You'll find out how your child's personal learning style can create higher grades in 14 days with your free learning styles assessment!
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Modification for Classwork - Helping Kids Stay Focused
"With math homework we modify doing odds or evens if there are more than 10 questions. Also we just implemented a "dot" system. When she is doing classwork, she has to check in after doing X amount of problems and if she stays on track and finishes it in class she gets Dots. This encourages her to keep focused and helps the teacher know when she is struggling and needs help. The Dots are then sent home for us to use on assignments. We then uses the dot's on homework. One dot for one question she doesn't have to do. For example, if she has ten math questions, but earns five Dots in class, she only has five problems to do."
Even without the Dot rewards, this is a great system. For many children, the dots themselves are reward enough. Another good idea for this is to mark the intervals on the paper. If, for example, five questions are a Dot set, put a highlighted mark after question number five. The mark makes a goal, and reaching that goal gives a sense of accomplishment.
NOTE: This great hint is from a discussion on Facebook.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Even without the Dot rewards, this is a great system. For many children, the dots themselves are reward enough. Another good idea for this is to mark the intervals on the paper. If, for example, five questions are a Dot set, put a highlighted mark after question number five. The mark makes a goal, and reaching that goal gives a sense of accomplishment.
NOTE: This great hint is from a discussion on Facebook.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Three Most Important Ways to Take Charge of Your Child's Education
Today's blog post features a couple of things specifically for families with children or adults with ADHD. The first is an article written especially for our newsletter by Alana Morales, the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom's Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. In addition to being a writer, Alana is also a veteran English teacher and the mom of two ADHD kids. Despite being an English teacher, she dearly values her Psychology degree and is impressed at how often it comes in handy. You can learn more about Alana at her website, www.AlanaMorales.com.
One of the best gifts a parent can give their child is a strong educational foundation. Parenting a child with ADD or ADHD and surviving the school age years is a tough enough task as it is. One of the biggest challenges we face when parenting our kids is striking a balance between helping them develop skills to improve their academic skills and allowing them to make mistakes and then learn from them.
Here are my top three ways to take charge of your child's education:
1. Communicate with the teacher. Being the parent of a child with ADD/ADHD takes a lot of work. It is vital to your student's success for you to remain in contact with the teacher. This does not mean that you need to email the teacher daily for reports, but regular contact with the teacher will help you keep tabs on things like academic areas that need improvement, how well medications are working (or if they need dosage adjustments) and how your child is doing socially.
At the beginning of the school year, introduce yourself to the teacher (or teachers) and just let them know that you will be keeping tabs on little Johnny's progress. Many teachers will be happy to know that they have the support of someone at home.
2. See if your child qualifies for classroom accommodations.
Many parents don't realize it, but if you have a child that has ADD/ADHD and it impacts their classroom learning, they may qualify for what is called a 504 plan. At the risk of being overly simple, a 504 plan is a legal document that protects your student and stipulates that the school must make certain accommodations in the classroom to level the learning playing field.
If this is an avenue you want to pursue, the first step is to mention it to your child's teacher. The teacher will then talk to school and set up a 504 meeting. In this meeting, you will sit down with relevant school officials to determine whether your child may benefit academically from accommodations.
3. Be supportive, but don't enable.
During the school years, it will be vital for you as parents to support your child in their education. The important point to keep in mind is that supporting does not equal enabling. Enabling runs the gamut, from doing things like completing tasks for them to making excuses for their academic performance (or lack thereof).
How can you tell the difference? Look at who is doing most of the work. If you are doing more than a minimal amount, you may be enabling. If your student doesn't get something done because they mismanaged their time, that is ultimately their responsibility, not yours, and they need to be responsible for their actions. Just because they have ADD/ADHD doesn't mean that you should be there to rescue them. If they are working on a homework assignment and it takes them two hours to finish, then write a note to the teacher explaining that it was a rough night. Don't write a note asking for more time simply because they didn't start their homework right away - this is enabling.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
One of the best gifts a parent can give their child is a strong educational foundation. Parenting a child with ADD or ADHD and surviving the school age years is a tough enough task as it is. One of the biggest challenges we face when parenting our kids is striking a balance between helping them develop skills to improve their academic skills and allowing them to make mistakes and then learn from them.
Here are my top three ways to take charge of your child's education:
1. Communicate with the teacher. Being the parent of a child with ADD/ADHD takes a lot of work. It is vital to your student's success for you to remain in contact with the teacher. This does not mean that you need to email the teacher daily for reports, but regular contact with the teacher will help you keep tabs on things like academic areas that need improvement, how well medications are working (or if they need dosage adjustments) and how your child is doing socially.
At the beginning of the school year, introduce yourself to the teacher (or teachers) and just let them know that you will be keeping tabs on little Johnny's progress. Many teachers will be happy to know that they have the support of someone at home.
2. See if your child qualifies for classroom accommodations.
Many parents don't realize it, but if you have a child that has ADD/ADHD and it impacts their classroom learning, they may qualify for what is called a 504 plan. At the risk of being overly simple, a 504 plan is a legal document that protects your student and stipulates that the school must make certain accommodations in the classroom to level the learning playing field.
If this is an avenue you want to pursue, the first step is to mention it to your child's teacher. The teacher will then talk to school and set up a 504 meeting. In this meeting, you will sit down with relevant school officials to determine whether your child may benefit academically from accommodations.
3. Be supportive, but don't enable.
During the school years, it will be vital for you as parents to support your child in their education. The important point to keep in mind is that supporting does not equal enabling. Enabling runs the gamut, from doing things like completing tasks for them to making excuses for their academic performance (or lack thereof).
How can you tell the difference? Look at who is doing most of the work. If you are doing more than a minimal amount, you may be enabling. If your student doesn't get something done because they mismanaged their time, that is ultimately their responsibility, not yours, and they need to be responsible for their actions. Just because they have ADD/ADHD doesn't mean that you should be there to rescue them. If they are working on a homework assignment and it takes them two hours to finish, then write a note to the teacher explaining that it was a rough night. Don't write a note asking for more time simply because they didn't start their homework right away - this is enabling.
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Helping an ADHD Child Remember
I Facebooked back and forth a couple of weeks ago with a mom. She told me a story that is so textbook ADHD-Inattentive, that I asked her if I could share it with you. I had planned to put it all in the newsletter, but changed my mind and have given it an entire webpage. Here's the beginning...
Tonight, I sit here feeling like I am failing as a parent of an ADHD child. My daughter is such a good kid, but her forgetfulness, impulsiveness and disorganization has become an all time high. She has just received her 3rd after school detention for the same thing-not turning in her homework. She is in middle school and they are teaching them about being more responsible to get them ready for high school next year.
They get a check every time it happens and when they reach 4 they get an hour after school. It is wiped clean every 9 weeks so the checks do not carry over. It is also per teacher as well. So now, if she receives another detention before the end of the year, she will get a Saturday detention AND lose going on their field trip to the water park.
I went through her backpack and binder tonight to find a STACK of papers that she didn't need anymore. I haven't done that in a while, thinking that she was getting better being organized. Boy, was I wrong! She has so much potential and is so smart. I don't want her to lose out on any opportunities because of something as stupid as forgetting her homework...
Read the rest of this story here!
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Tonight, I sit here feeling like I am failing as a parent of an ADHD child. My daughter is such a good kid, but her forgetfulness, impulsiveness and disorganization has become an all time high. She has just received her 3rd after school detention for the same thing-not turning in her homework. She is in middle school and they are teaching them about being more responsible to get them ready for high school next year.
They get a check every time it happens and when they reach 4 they get an hour after school. It is wiped clean every 9 weeks so the checks do not carry over. It is also per teacher as well. So now, if she receives another detention before the end of the year, she will get a Saturday detention AND lose going on their field trip to the water park.
I went through her backpack and binder tonight to find a STACK of papers that she didn't need anymore. I haven't done that in a while, thinking that she was getting better being organized. Boy, was I wrong! She has so much potential and is so smart. I don't want her to lose out on any opportunities because of something as stupid as forgetting her homework...
Read the rest of this story here!
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Five Hints for Homework
When you're in the middle of a marathon homework session, encourage your child to continue focusing by giving frequent concentration breaks. Say, "You'll need to focus really well for the next 10 minutes, then you'll get a break." (Why does this remind me of Lamaze class?!)
Highlight processing signs (plus, minus, divide, etc.) on your child's math homework so he'll remember to do the correct operation.
In your quest toward homework independence, your child might just need a jump start. When she begins a subject, do the first problem or two with her, or help write that first sentence, or have her read the first paragraph aloud. It's like riding a bike - sometimes you just need a push-off.
If your son has a habit of scribbling down homework assignments onto a piece of paper and losing them, follow the example of the mom who placed a large container right where her son came into the house. As he comes in from school, she has him deposit everything on his body - bookbag, books, pens, pencils, sports equipment. She also makes him empty his pockets, so that the assignments can be located when it's time to begin homework.
Make a study zone for homework - with a file tote which contains assorted supplies (looseleaf paper, pencils, pens, scissors, rulers, markers, etc), as recommended in Homework Without Tears, a great resource.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Highlight processing signs (plus, minus, divide, etc.) on your child's math homework so he'll remember to do the correct operation.
In your quest toward homework independence, your child might just need a jump start. When she begins a subject, do the first problem or two with her, or help write that first sentence, or have her read the first paragraph aloud. It's like riding a bike - sometimes you just need a push-off.
If your son has a habit of scribbling down homework assignments onto a piece of paper and losing them, follow the example of the mom who placed a large container right where her son came into the house. As he comes in from school, she has him deposit everything on his body - bookbag, books, pens, pencils, sports equipment. She also makes him empty his pockets, so that the assignments can be located when it's time to begin homework.
Make a study zone for homework - with a file tote which contains assorted supplies (looseleaf paper, pencils, pens, scissors, rulers, markers, etc), as recommended in Homework Without Tears, a great resource.
-----------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Monday, April 20, 2009
From the Archives...A Homework Nightmare
Welcome to this week's Ounce of Ketchup! I'll be blunt. I hope your week has been better than ours. Without going into the gory details, well…let's just do Thursday night.
After we discovered that two of the boys had projects due Friday involving poster board, my husband volunteered to go buy extra. He came home with three science boards. Thankfully, we had just enough poster board in our supply closet. Somebody remind me to buy more before the next crisis occurs.
Ron had two projects due that he hadn't started (she types with clenched teeth). One was a collage. My husband and I were up after midnight helping him find and print pictures. Ron was still doing the other project on the way to school Friday morning.
For once, thankfully, Joe had a very light night. Although he had a major test Friday, we had already studied because he thought the test was Thursday! So we reviewed a bit, and read a chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Then there was Mike, who rarely asks for help. He was stuck on the principles of electricity. Voltage and amperes and ohms. (Oh my!) After an hour of chapter review, he felt confident enough to do his homework, and I felt confident enough to plug in an appliance.
Finally there was Ash. (The one without ADHD!) He had to reach his Accelerated Reader goal by Friday, which meant had to completely read one book and type a book report on another. PLUS he had not completed a project correctly and the teacher sent it home for him to redo. He got the reading and the report done, but spent three hours in class to next day finishing the project. His teacher has more patience with him than I do - I think I would have given him a zero!
And that was just one night…Weeks like this that made me start "Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet?" Weeks like this make me wonder what business I have giving hints about how to keep kids focused, organized, encouraged, and successful! Nonetheless, below you will find your weekly dose.
Until next week, remember: You're not the only one!
PS If you're looking for ways to Wake Up from the Homework Nightmare - read how we figured it out at http://www.goaskmom.com/homework.
----------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
After we discovered that two of the boys had projects due Friday involving poster board, my husband volunteered to go buy extra. He came home with three science boards. Thankfully, we had just enough poster board in our supply closet. Somebody remind me to buy more before the next crisis occurs.
Ron had two projects due that he hadn't started (she types with clenched teeth). One was a collage. My husband and I were up after midnight helping him find and print pictures. Ron was still doing the other project on the way to school Friday morning.
For once, thankfully, Joe had a very light night. Although he had a major test Friday, we had already studied because he thought the test was Thursday! So we reviewed a bit, and read a chapter of To Kill a Mockingbird.
Then there was Mike, who rarely asks for help. He was stuck on the principles of electricity. Voltage and amperes and ohms. (Oh my!) After an hour of chapter review, he felt confident enough to do his homework, and I felt confident enough to plug in an appliance.
Finally there was Ash. (The one without ADHD!) He had to reach his Accelerated Reader goal by Friday, which meant had to completely read one book and type a book report on another. PLUS he had not completed a project correctly and the teacher sent it home for him to redo. He got the reading and the report done, but spent three hours in class to next day finishing the project. His teacher has more patience with him than I do - I think I would have given him a zero!
And that was just one night…Weeks like this that made me start "Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet?" Weeks like this make me wonder what business I have giving hints about how to keep kids focused, organized, encouraged, and successful! Nonetheless, below you will find your weekly dose.
Until next week, remember: You're not the only one!
PS If you're looking for ways to Wake Up from the Homework Nightmare - read how we figured it out at http://www.goaskmom.com/homework.
----------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
A Bubble of Confidence - Standardized Testing Tips
John is in the fourth grade, and his school has announced the dates for the end of the year standardized testing. Given that John struggles academically, how should his parents approach this event?
A. Hope for the best.
B. Pressure John to pay attention and study.
C. Tell John just to do his best.
D. Ensure John is prepared emotionally and academically.
Most parents have a lot to say about the validity and necessity of standardized tests. Your viewpoint on the subject will not change the fact that your child will soon face the rigors of the dreaded end of year exam. Like it or not, the scores and percentiles are quite important to your child's future. Children are given a vast amount of knowledge throughout the school year, and are expected to be able to recall enough to answer the questions on a seemingly endless battery of tests. Teachers have been preparing their classes all year. Parents can also ready a child for testing by offering emotional encouragement and academic support.
Take responsibility. I visited a classroom of third graders recently, and one of the children shared that she was afraid to take the end of grade test. The teacher was out of the room, so the assistant answered the child. "You don't have to worry one bit. Your teacher will teach you everything you need to know." Tell your child that you and her teacher are going to work together to ensure test readiness. Take the burden of responsibility off the child, and listen for the sigh of relief.
Practice the format. The first time I did my taxes myself, I was overwhelmed. In the following years, the process seemed easier. The procedure was just as difficult, but I was familiar with the form. Make sure your child has a chance to practice the test in the exact format he will see it on testing day. The text formatting, page layout, and wording of instructions should be exactly the same, so that on testing day, your child will be familiar with everything but the actual questions. Your school probably already gives these practice tests. If not, Amazon.com offers a wide range of test prep materials.
Make a plan. Find out if your child has any questions or concerns about testing. What if his pencil breaks? What if the calculator doesn't work? What if she has to go to the restroom? What if a question is just too hard? Get answers from the child's teacher, and while you're at it, find out all the test taking strategies taught in the classroom. Help get rid of a few more anxieties by teaching your child how to skip a question or signal for a new pencil.
Teach relaxation. Remember Lamaze class? Share your favorite relaxation techniques with your child. Teach her to tackle only one question at a time. Help him to tighten and relax muscles to relieve tension. Teach self-encouragement phrases: "You can do this. That one was hard, but this is a new question."
Clear the calendar. The night before a test, clear the calendar. Skip athletic games, scout meetings, dance lessons and piano. Your child probably won't have any homework, but resist the temptation to review academics. Lay out clothes and lunches for the next day, and use the rest of the time for the family, with a nutritious meal, a family movie, and an early and stress free bedtime.
Express unconditional love. Whether your child bubbles in correctly or not, expressing your love will create a bubble of confidence that will be hard to break. Even if scores never reach the 99th percentile, make it clear that your love will be there 100% of the time. To your child, this is the percentile that counts.
Read Multiplying Success and Comprehending Comprehension, for specific test taking strategies for the math and reading portions of standardized tests.
A. Hope for the best.
B. Pressure John to pay attention and study.
C. Tell John just to do his best.
D. Ensure John is prepared emotionally and academically.
Most parents have a lot to say about the validity and necessity of standardized tests. Your viewpoint on the subject will not change the fact that your child will soon face the rigors of the dreaded end of year exam. Like it or not, the scores and percentiles are quite important to your child's future. Children are given a vast amount of knowledge throughout the school year, and are expected to be able to recall enough to answer the questions on a seemingly endless battery of tests. Teachers have been preparing their classes all year. Parents can also ready a child for testing by offering emotional encouragement and academic support.
Take responsibility. I visited a classroom of third graders recently, and one of the children shared that she was afraid to take the end of grade test. The teacher was out of the room, so the assistant answered the child. "You don't have to worry one bit. Your teacher will teach you everything you need to know." Tell your child that you and her teacher are going to work together to ensure test readiness. Take the burden of responsibility off the child, and listen for the sigh of relief.
Practice the format. The first time I did my taxes myself, I was overwhelmed. In the following years, the process seemed easier. The procedure was just as difficult, but I was familiar with the form. Make sure your child has a chance to practice the test in the exact format he will see it on testing day. The text formatting, page layout, and wording of instructions should be exactly the same, so that on testing day, your child will be familiar with everything but the actual questions. Your school probably already gives these practice tests. If not, Amazon.com offers a wide range of test prep materials.
Make a plan. Find out if your child has any questions or concerns about testing. What if his pencil breaks? What if the calculator doesn't work? What if she has to go to the restroom? What if a question is just too hard? Get answers from the child's teacher, and while you're at it, find out all the test taking strategies taught in the classroom. Help get rid of a few more anxieties by teaching your child how to skip a question or signal for a new pencil.
Teach relaxation. Remember Lamaze class? Share your favorite relaxation techniques with your child. Teach her to tackle only one question at a time. Help him to tighten and relax muscles to relieve tension. Teach self-encouragement phrases: "You can do this. That one was hard, but this is a new question."
Clear the calendar. The night before a test, clear the calendar. Skip athletic games, scout meetings, dance lessons and piano. Your child probably won't have any homework, but resist the temptation to review academics. Lay out clothes and lunches for the next day, and use the rest of the time for the family, with a nutritious meal, a family movie, and an early and stress free bedtime.
Express unconditional love. Whether your child bubbles in correctly or not, expressing your love will create a bubble of confidence that will be hard to break. Even if scores never reach the 99th percentile, make it clear that your love will be there 100% of the time. To your child, this is the percentile that counts.
Read Multiplying Success and Comprehending Comprehension, for specific test taking strategies for the math and reading portions of standardized tests.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Vote for This MOM
One of our readers is in a contest, and you can help her win with one click. As the coowner of Big Dog Taekwon-Do school, she's in a competition to be named a leading mom in business. Many of her students have ADHD. Here's what she says: "We have heard from parents and professionals alike that participation in a program like ours helps improve focus because we do emphasize so much self awareness and self control. We are attempting to influence as many young people as we can to not only teach them valuable self defense skills but to help them learn to be more self confident!" Please take a second and go vote here! You don't have to sign up, give your email, or get cookied in any way.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Friday, March 20, 2009
In the Navy
Speaking of remembering, some of you have been asking about our second son, whose ADHD was the inspiration for "Who Put the Ketchup in the Medicine Cabinet?" back in 2002. I haven't mentioned him in almost two years, because he joined the US NAVY, and was attending boot camp and undergoing a security check. I was paranoid that something I had written about him - good or bad - would cause him embarrassment or worse. So I didn't bring him up - hard to do when you're bursting with pride!
But, I'm breaking my silence. Boot camp, over a year of schooling, and the security clearance are behind us, and our son now has orders for five years. If you had told me two years ago how well the NAVY life would have suited this boy, I would not have believed you. But what a fit!
First of all, his schooling in the NAVY had a singular focus. Rather than having four classes at various times in the week, he had one class all day (and sometimes night…) long. He didn't have to shift his brain from math to English to science. A lot of his learning was in front of a computer screen, and still more was hands on.
The NAVY also provides the structure and order our son has always craved. Since he was so unstructured and unordered in his brain, he always looked to find this externally. Think about the military: routines, schedules, acronyms, color coding, even the cadences. He knows what to expect. And where to go when, with whom, and for how long. These have been very comfortable - and comforting - to our son.
My husband and I are tough disciplinarians. But our discipline pales in comparison to the dire consequences doled out by mother NAVY to the Sailors who don't get their schoolwork done. The threat of chipping paint for six long years terrified our son. And made him study. And succeed! I do have to add that he very often drew from the arsenal of techniques that we taught him. Including the Memory Training mentioned before. (Did you check it out? Send the link to someone else?)
The Navy has eliminated a lot of mundane worries from our boy's life. He doesn't have to think about paying rent or utilities. Most of the time, he doesn't have to worry about what to wear. Food is taken care of, and he still eats healthy like he always has.
There are still a lot of personal responsibilities and challenges - laundry and supplies and haircuts, finding his way around, keeping up with orders, internet connections, financial decisions, and waking up on time...He also has trouble remembering that you can't jump up and hit the top of the ceiling like he did (does) at home. He's in the NAVY and is no longer our dependent, but he'll always be our kid!
Is the Navy for every ADHD kid? Of course not. But for our son, it has been perfect. He is beyond happy - happier than we've ever seen him. He's succeeding. He's well-liked. He's learning and growing. We would have never guessed that this was the path for this homebody of a son. But God knew, and we give full credit to Him for guiding our son's footsteps.
And now I've made myself cry.
----------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
But, I'm breaking my silence. Boot camp, over a year of schooling, and the security clearance are behind us, and our son now has orders for five years. If you had told me two years ago how well the NAVY life would have suited this boy, I would not have believed you. But what a fit!
First of all, his schooling in the NAVY had a singular focus. Rather than having four classes at various times in the week, he had one class all day (and sometimes night…) long. He didn't have to shift his brain from math to English to science. A lot of his learning was in front of a computer screen, and still more was hands on.
The NAVY also provides the structure and order our son has always craved. Since he was so unstructured and unordered in his brain, he always looked to find this externally. Think about the military: routines, schedules, acronyms, color coding, even the cadences. He knows what to expect. And where to go when, with whom, and for how long. These have been very comfortable - and comforting - to our son.
My husband and I are tough disciplinarians. But our discipline pales in comparison to the dire consequences doled out by mother NAVY to the Sailors who don't get their schoolwork done. The threat of chipping paint for six long years terrified our son. And made him study. And succeed! I do have to add that he very often drew from the arsenal of techniques that we taught him. Including the Memory Training mentioned before. (Did you check it out? Send the link to someone else?)
The Navy has eliminated a lot of mundane worries from our boy's life. He doesn't have to think about paying rent or utilities. Most of the time, he doesn't have to worry about what to wear. Food is taken care of, and he still eats healthy like he always has.
There are still a lot of personal responsibilities and challenges - laundry and supplies and haircuts, finding his way around, keeping up with orders, internet connections, financial decisions, and waking up on time...He also has trouble remembering that you can't jump up and hit the top of the ceiling like he did (does) at home. He's in the NAVY and is no longer our dependent, but he'll always be our kid!
Is the Navy for every ADHD kid? Of course not. But for our son, it has been perfect. He is beyond happy - happier than we've ever seen him. He's succeeding. He's well-liked. He's learning and growing. We would have never guessed that this was the path for this homebody of a son. But God knew, and we give full credit to Him for guiding our son's footsteps.
And now I've made myself cry.
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Memory Training
It's funny how kids grow up and thank you...without saying so. Ron asked me yesterday for a copy of something we used with the boys when they were in middle and high school. He rolled his eyes at it back then. But now he's got a class where he has to memorize a whole lot of stuff. He wanted me to send him the .mp3's of Memory Training for Students. He remembered how well it worked when he had to learn a lot of material way back when.
It's been so long since I've mentioned Memory Training for Students that most of you readers probably aren't familiar with it. Memory Training for Students teaches very powerful techniques to solve the problem of memorizing the information students need to know. It's great for school, and it's great for life. (Yes, I've used the stuff!) If you and your child have reviewed information over and over, only to have it disappear at test time or shortly thereafter, you need Memory Training. The program is an instant download of a set of five audio .mp3's and a workbook. They are fun to listen to, and easy to follow. Go check it out now, and then forward this newsletter to others - your child's teacher, your best friend, your family… (Unbelievably, after 24 years I'm guilty as charged…)
------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
It's been so long since I've mentioned Memory Training for Students that most of you readers probably aren't familiar with it. Memory Training for Students teaches very powerful techniques to solve the problem of memorizing the information students need to know. It's great for school, and it's great for life. (Yes, I've used the stuff!) If you and your child have reviewed information over and over, only to have it disappear at test time or shortly thereafter, you need Memory Training. The program is an instant download of a set of five audio .mp3's and a workbook. They are fun to listen to, and easy to follow. Go check it out now, and then forward this newsletter to others - your child's teacher, your best friend, your family… (Unbelievably, after 24 years I'm guilty as charged…)
------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Another Chore Hint - Laminate!
We have another great hint on getting kids to do chores from Molly Donnelly, who graciously gave me permission to include her name and her method!
For my kids I have printed out and laminated cleaning cards for each chore. If they have to do the bathroom, they take the card and it lists for them step-by-step instructions so nothing gets forgotten-spray the sinks, toilet and shower with cleaner, wipe down shower and rinse, clean the inside of the bowl and wipe down the outside and floor around it, wipe down the sink and counter, use a clean cloth to dry the sink and counter, wipe down the mirror, use another clean cloth to dry it, mop the floor last. They can check off the instructions with dry erase markers as they go. I have included cards for their bedrooms, vacuuming and mopping floors and dusting rooms. (Don't forget the moldings and picture frames!) It works for us!
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Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
For my kids I have printed out and laminated cleaning cards for each chore. If they have to do the bathroom, they take the card and it lists for them step-by-step instructions so nothing gets forgotten-spray the sinks, toilet and shower with cleaner, wipe down shower and rinse, clean the inside of the bowl and wipe down the outside and floor around it, wipe down the sink and counter, use a clean cloth to dry the sink and counter, wipe down the mirror, use another clean cloth to dry it, mop the floor last. They can check off the instructions with dry erase markers as they go. I have included cards for their bedrooms, vacuuming and mopping floors and dusting rooms. (Don't forget the moldings and picture frames!) It works for us!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Visit our website at http://www.goaskmom.com.
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