Excess Energy in School | ADHD Information
My daughter's teacher sent home a note saying that she was "playing with objects (pencil) during seat work and that she was also doodling during her seat work" I responded by telling her I would speak to her about these issues and nicely asking in what ways is she allowed to release some energy (she has a 504 that lists allowing her to get up, etc.) The response I received was a two page letter stating that she can release energy by going to gym, changing classes, going to the bathroom, etc. - basically the routine Every child has. I was so mad I sent the guidance counselor a copy of the letter and called her to discuss it. She totally agreed with the teacher that there are 'plenty of opportunities for movement' etc. I am so livid and feel they are belittling me and ignorign the whole reason we got the 504! I am having my daughter's psychiatrist call and try to offer some 'suggestions' since they seem to listen to him more than I or my husband. Has anyone else had a similar occurance with their school? Maybe it's just me but changing class and going to the bathroom does not seem like an appropriate response. Thanks for your input!My older daughter has issues with doodling. She is allowed a separate "doodle pad" at her desk so she does not make a mess of her school work. I am lucky that the teachers for the last 3 years are so accomodating, as my oldest is only now starting the diagnosis process and has no IEP or 504, just caring teachers.The routine may possibly not be enough movement to allow for excessive energy. As a former teacher, I will tell you my last administration would yell at me if I allowed playing with pencils, doodling, etc. I was seen as a horrible teacher if I allowed these things, but sometimes with certain kids they can be wonderful. One thing that I loved that seemed to work well with most ADD/ADHDers was to play with a stress ball at their desk while listening or doing work. I would get it in the IEP if you go for that, so that no one can fight against that one.
Question about playing with the pencil, was he tapping it? Sometimes teachers will stop the tapping because of the distractions to others. Other options would be to tap it on his leg or to get a small piece of foam placed on his desk to mask the noise of tapping.
we had similar problems when our 8 year old was in 1st grade. He had satan's spawn the teacher from hell who reduced me to tears at least once a week if not more. Now Tyler is allowed a stress ball for when he is particularly anxious, she also has extra work, stuff he enjoys like word seek puzzles and sudoku that he is allowed to keep in his desk. My advise is to keep asking, request meetings with everyone involved in the 504, bring notes from his doctors, psychiatrics etc... If you aren't pleased with the solution have to meet again. Sometimes just showing you are serious and will not back down helps.When you go to the meeting I would suggest making sure that everything that gets added to her 504 is very specific. Instead of "allowing for extra movement and release of energy", have them put down "collect and sharpen pencils during seated work in math class" or "allow her to stand rather than sit while completing worksheets". The schools like to leave things vague so that they can't be held acountable when they don't do it. Also, if you do get an IEP for her, make sure that the goals in it are very specific- don't let them get away with "improved test scores in reading and math" because they can argue that a 3 percentage point increase is progress.
I hate when teacher complain about a child's behavior but are not willing to take the steps to improve it. How are we supposed to make them sit still, stop fidgeting and listen when we're not there? My son can't remember what I told him 5 minutes ago, much less 5 hours ago, before he got to school.
Thank you for the wonderful suggestions! I will suggest the stress ball and the separate tablet for doodling (she does doodler on her seatwork, tests, folder, etc.) Jo-D - I love the 'satan's spawn' reference - I think we had her last year for second grade! I think I will try bringing in a gel pad (used for typing) for her desk so that she can tap her pencil on that and it will not make a noise. We are in the process of scheduling yet another meeting to discuss alternatives so I will bring these suggestions to the table.My son has an IEP ( Individualized Education Program) Which sounds a lot like a 504! Maybe thats just the diffrences in states and school districts?
His IEP makes test accomidations and minipulative things he can do at his desk Ect... Also has the exspectations hes working tword. We can also add or subtract anything at any time and ask for a metting when ever we want.
Keep us in the oop. If you have any questions or caoncerns we are here to help!!
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504 and IEP are in every public school. I do not believe that different districts have either/or, nor is there a difference as far as state to state...a 504 is the same from district to district, as is an IEP.
The difference is in the severity of the disablity, and how much the learning is affected by it. If accommodations will be enough to enable a child to learn at their potential, then a 504 is enough. If special education is needed to enable the same, then an IEP is in order. An IEP is harder to get, and harder for the school/teachers to ignore...(I think). I do know that IEP and 504 are in every public school, they are law under IDEA.
You are correct chasesmom and thanks for providing accurate information. Below is a link that is very informative about IEP'S and 504 plans.
Thanks for all the input! It nice to hear others have gone through the same thing. I truly believe this teacher (though she won't admit it) does not believe in ADD/ADHD - that if my daughter wanted to sit still, she would. It is very frustrating! Yes, we will be revisiting the 504 accomodations. I agree they made them too general and then the teacher can interpret than any way she sees fit which just doesn't work. - and no, she did not offer any suggestions.
That teacher is a pain in the butt! Sorry! I would of been very tempted to the the teacher is that all??? Call me when you have a real problem!!! I know thats not the best attitude. It won't solve anything but boy it would of felt good!
Did this teacher have and suggestions for you or just craping on you?
Well it sounds like if I were you I'd try to get some kind of advocate that can come to these metting on your behalf and make sure they are holding up there end of the IEP or 504. You might find info on the site or check with a CHADD orginization!
Hope this is helpful! Or at least made you smile.
I too love the satan's spawn remark....We have her now in kindergarten. She doesn't allow bathroom breaks etc. She will let a kindergartener pee their pants before she will bend the rules.
As for the fidgeting and tapping a pencil. My ds has had fidget toys since preschool. He aslo uses different types of cushions on his seat. It allows him to wiggle around and figet without disturbing others or getting out of his desk.
We are new this. Our son's teacher, who's son also has ADHD, has VERY understanding and has mentioned to us that we will do the 504 before school ends. My question is what is the IEP? We are concerned about what will happen next year when his teacher will not be so understanding
My ds 8 years old was just approved for a 504 Thursday and these are the items that we put in. If there is something that I should add please let me know.
This is what we put in:
Physical Arrangement of room: Proximity to an adult in the room.
Assignments: Demonstrates understanding what has been assigned (Paraphrase, repeat, or demonstrate)
Test Modifications: Reread directions for each page, Extended time by 2, Prompts to stay on task, Small group up to 5, Breaks every 20 minutes for tests or work that is over 20 minutes. Be able to move in his personal space (stand, move around desk).
They said I can add anything at any time. Since this is all new to me I am not sure what needs to be in there.
Maxed Out
maxed out, if they are going to do test modifications then I would check into daily assignments/homework assignments as well
also, if there are any behavioral issues then ask for behavioral contracts or something similar that will help your child to monitor their own behavior... it is somewhat instant acknowledgement of ones actions... I've seen this work very well with students
other than these suggestions I think you guys have some good ideas already in place... you really don't want to have too many as you want to make what you do have in place, effective... you can always take away or add later.
2girls,if the 504 is set up to allow her some movement within class then they should be following what was in the 504 documents... I have teachers in my building that even have mini-trampolines in their classroom in order for children to release some energy... I have one teacher that uses squishy balls for students that have extra energy with their hands... the ball is an alternative to pencil tapping etc... I would readdress this issue with the 504 committee.
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