To acquaint individuals working in an education setting with the symptoms of and skills for handling Attention-Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder.

OVERVIEW

Youth workers need to become more aware of the unique challenges those with ADD and ADHD pose in an education setting. Often these students’ needs are unmet, outward behaviors go unchecked, and students become unnecessarily labeled as "problems."

Those who use this module will:

• Gain a clear understanding of the nature of ADD/ADHD.
• Employ effective teaching and disciplinary strategies when dealing with the ADD student.
• Become more adept in using innovative teaching methods in the classroom.
• Understand his/her role in relation to these special students and their families.

LEADER PREPARATION

• Gather information on ADD/ADHD through resource material, local educational officials, and discussions with students and their families.
• Review research in the media.
• Prepare overheads and overhead projector for discussion.
• Prepare reproducibles for handout packets for the group.
• Gather newsprint, markers, and art supplies for presentation.

GROUP BUILDING

• Open the meeting with the poem, story, or song about being different.
• Begin discussion with leaders and teachers about their misconceptions concerning ADD/ADHD students. Record these on large newsprint.

GROUP PRESENTATION

• Define ADD/ADHD.
• Using overheads as guides, have an ADD/ADHD student and family member discuss the nature of this disorder.
• Invite an educational expert to speak on the characteristics of effective teachers of ADD students and their teaching strategies.

GROUP DISCUSSION

Discuss the following questions:

• What are some common misconceptions associated with ADD/ADHD? What are some common labels put on these students?
• What are some characteristics of ADD/ADHD students? How can teachers think more positively about these students?
• What are some personal attributes a teacher or youth worker must possess? How will these attributes contribute to the success of special students in their groups?
• What can teachers or youth workers do to modify their teaching practices? Name some specific examples you might try in your group.
• How can teachers and youth workers maintain control in their group settings?

WRAP-UP

• These issues need to be reinforced in this discussion:
• Keep an open mind when dealing with special needs youth.
• Commit to learn more about special needs associated with ADD/ADHD.
• Commit to learn about new and effective teaching strategies.
• Encourage all teachers and youth workers to be willing to work with youth of all abilities.
• Agree to work on disciplinary strategies and solutions in order to help ADD/ADHD students to become more successful.