My son has had difficulties with kindergarten this year. Academically he is fine but he was very fidgety and impulsive. We tested him through a private psychologist and he was found to have a high IQ but was diagnosed with adhd, combined type. My husband and I choose not to medicate him because his grades are high and he is obedient at home. Yet the teacher continues to complain that he plays around all day. She is sending him home with 2nd and 3rd grade math and reading homework. I am a certified high school biology teacher and feel like I could probably teach him at home without so many headaches. Yet it seems like that would be running away from the problem. He needs to learn to get along with other adults and to be more sociable. The teacher says he acts like he's "superior" to the other kids in the class and won't play with them! In our neighborhood he has plenty of buddies who come over to play. They are just a little older than him. That's what he is used to. What do I do?
2007-02-21 02:29:12 · 7 answers · asked by Aubrey C 3 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
I think homeschooling would be perfect for your sun. As a teacher you know that the classroom environment is challenging for ADHD students because there are so many distractions, and because they are in a room with 25 other children and a single adult in charge. Should you homeschool him, you can give him an environment where he can thrive. I normally am not a huge fan of homeschooling, but with your educational backround, I think you'd be good at it.
Furthermore, it's clear that he is able to get along with peers in a multi-age environment. Since this is a good mimic of what he'll experience as an adult, I think there's nothing wrong with him now. Often early learners who are excited about learning and gifted haven't developed the social skills to get along with those who aren't. He could learn these gently with you teaching him, or in a harsher manner by being in a huge classroom.
Additionally, if you are concerned about his socialization skills, don't be. I'm a middle school teacher, and have noticed that my elementary home school students who attend our school starting in 7th grade have a transition period of about a month to a quarter. After that transition period, they socialize with other students as if they had always been there. Also, there are many homeschool groups out there--you son could participate in home school theater and band classes or sports depending on what's available in your area. It's a chance to be with other children in an environment he can handle.
Finally, it's up to you, but you and your child sound like perfect candidates for successful home schooling. You can always return him to regular school after elementary school--since gifted students tend to be more easily tracked in middle and high school.
good luck.
2007-02-21 05:41:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I do not think there is any right or wrong answer to your question. You are right about him needing that environment, you are also right about the headaches from the teacher at school. If you and your husband decide to keep him home to teach him, put him in a few activities that maybe you and dad can do with him like, cub scouts. Then you and dad can be with him but he is also getting the environment that he needs. Or look into a school that works with children that has the adhd. My son is in scouts and his den leader son has the same problem he is the brightest child . They were able to find a school that suites his needs. The school he goes to now. Has different ways to help the child grow.For instant if they seem a little bounce or out of sorts, they let the child go to the gym and run a few laps to help get it out of their system. Good Luck ! I am sure whatever you guys decide to do will be the right thing for your son and your family.
2007-02-21 02:40:38 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
How old is he? this is very important
my son was in the same boat 13 years ago
he was a very advanced his humor is still something most kids his age don't get and he's now a freshman in college on a full scholarship. He wishes I had held him back!
it sounds like he also has a teacher who does not like him
(nothing hurts quite like someone not liking your kid for you or him)
he probably senses this I learned the hard way to listen to my kids when they don't like someone, those people are bad news
I have home schooled my 2 older kids when they were in bad situations with teachers. but both of them went back to school after a year and a half and did very well. (and well ,they were a bit tired of me ;)
my youngest had a little reading trouble in the beginning and we did hold him back and I think it has been a great thing for him.
He has been much happier and more successful than my other 2 were in elementary school until this year. And again I'm thinking
about homeschooling him for next year. He is miserable in a class with 2 assistants who are idiots. He has a 142 IQ.
He wants out .
i'd love to talk to you further but got to go
hey enable your email! its secure
2007-02-21 06:30:47 · answer #3 · answered by FOA 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go to the library and get a few books on homeschooling -- it is really hard and not for everyone. You have to be very disciplined and committed to make it work -- this is your child's education, remember. The books will help you with the basics. The library should also be able to hook you up with a local homeschool support group. Also, check with your school district. They should have information, also.
2016-05-24 02:20:30 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree that homeschooling would be running away from the problem. He needs to learn to modify his behavior in a group setting, so that he will learn to thrive in future group situations beyond school.
See if you can get him into an alternative school in your area. Some public school districts have alternative schools but there are also private alternative schools. The faculty at an alternative school will be equipped to deal with students with adhd. They will teach him in a way that is appropriate to his needs, while at the same time teaching him the difference between appropriate and inappropriate behavior.
My sister has taught extensively at an alternative school where many of her students had ADHD but were also highly intelligent. She saw many success stories that resulted in the student transitioning back into a regular classroom.
2007-02-21 02:45:07 · answer #5 · answered by Jenna A 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
See if he can skip a grade or two. He'll probably settle down if the work is more challenging, and he's hanging out with kids on his level.
2007-02-21 02:32:43 · answer #6 · answered by eri 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
By all means homeschool him! But be warned, ADHD is not a real diagnosis. It was agreed upon by a group of psychologists by a raise of hands. I consider ADD/ADHD yet another gift.
Good day
2007-02-21 02:36:36 · answer #7 · answered by macruadhi 3 · 0⤊ 5⤋