ADHD? LD? Kickstart Needed Skills for the New School Year!

Sure enough! As soon as the July 4th weekend was history, the “back-to-school bosses” got busy. In a visit this week to several of our local stores, we witnessed quite a few sales associates stocking shelves with the latest school supplies, backpacks and even some “goodies” for Halloween! Aren’t they rushing things? Phew!

We certainly know that many families (and even teachers!) are still enjoying the summer break and will continue to do so for the next couple of weeks. However, we also know of a few families (and teachers!) who have incorporated some learning opportunities into their summer vacation time. One family told us that a trip to Washington, D.C., is planned so that the kids can see for the first time the Washington Monument, the Senate and House, and other landmarks so important to American History and Government. An experienced teacher mentioned to us that she and her husband had just returned from Charleston, SC, and had gathered Civil War information, materials and literature for her middle school students when the new academic year begins in mid-August. So, you see, the summertime can present an excellent opportunity to gather the right materials and resources to “kickstart” the skills needed for the new school year. At the same time, you and your family can still enjoy the great days of summer.

Consider ways to help your child or student hone and further develop these important skills, especially if reading and learning challenges are involved (ADHD, LD or other learning issue). To help you in this effort, we have collected some special resources here and have divided those resources into specific categories to make it easier for you to locate and access what is needed. We hope the children and teens you care about will benefit from these special resources and be ready to start the new school year better prepared for ALL subjects!

Kickstart Reading Skills for Challenged Readers

17 Ways to Teach Vocabulary Skills to Students with Special Needs
by Thomas Armstrong
http://institute4learning.com/blog/2013/02/12/17-ways-to-teach-vocabulary-skills-to-neurodiverse-students/

Reading Together: Tips for Parents of Children with ADHD
by Reach Out and Read
If your child has ADHD, paying attention for long periods of time can be a challenge. So, meet the challenge head-on — make reading time fun time for you and your child.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/41119/

Kickstart Math Skills for Challenged Learners

10 Helpful Dyscalculia Resources
by National Center for Learning Disabilities' Editorial Staff (NCLD)
Dyscalculia refers to a wide range of lifelong learning disabilities (LD) involving math. There is no single type of math disability. The resources in this link can help those struggling with significant math challenges.
http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/helpful-math-resources

More resources (on same site): http://www.ncld.org/types-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia

Math.com---Website that presents FREE resources for practicing mathematics from basic math to calculus. Takes a student of any ability at his present level and allows him to “level up” as math skills are developed. (A student-driven resource)
http://math.com/

Kickstart Organizational & Study Skills for Challenged Learners

A Toolkit for School Success: 15 Study Tips for Students with ADHD
by Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S.
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2011/a-toolkit-for-school-success-15-study-tips-for-students-with-adhd/all/1/

Apps for Students with LD: Organization and Study
by Darla Hatton and Kaila Hatton (NCLD)
http://www.ncld.org/students-disabilities/assistive-technology-education/apps-students-ld-organization-study

Other Related Resources for Challenged Learners

Back-to-School: Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Kandace Wernsing (LD Online)
http://www.ldonline.org/article/38406/

8 Skills That Can Help Your Special Needs Child in School
http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2013/01/22/8-skills-that-can-help-your-special-needs-child-in-school/

Teaching kids with special needs interdependence skills through play
by Ellen Metrick
Helping with meals is just one way to help build skills
http://www.chicagoparent.com/magazines/special-parent/winter-2013/in-our-shoes/day-of-play

Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
by Reading Rockets
Our Top 8 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
http://www.readingrockets.org/article/38405/

Handouts and Resources for LD/ADD (for Secondary and College Levels)
Many FREE printables and links to a wide variety of resources related to academics and student life, including resources on LD/ADD in college. In addition, there are numerous publications on LD/ADD and the college student which you may find helpful.
http://isites.harvard.edu/icb/icb.do?keyword=k73301&pageid=icb.page416014

For information on customizable reading tools:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image courtesy of: Brennan Innovators, LLC at www.brennaninnovators.com

Simple Homework Tips for ADHD

Some parents have reported improvement in the management of their children's ADHD with specifically modified diets and/or the addition of nutritional supplements. Other parents have somewhat reluctantly decided on medications recommended by their children's pediatricians to help with focus and attention in school. However, there is a strong possibility that vitamins B12 or B6 and even prescribed medications may not be able to do EVERYTHING to help your child with ADHD.

We often like to mention that it is always a good idea to begin managing attention issues with simple strategies, tips and tools to help your child achieve and maintain more focus and follow-through, especially when a he is challenged with ADHD. Special strategies can be particularly important when the topic of homework is presented. Parents often ask us, "What tips do you recommend for the 'homework wars' we face on many weeknights?" or "Do you have a good list of ideas to help my child complete all his needed assignments?"

To help answer these questions, we are listing here some good but simple strategies and tips to help your child challenged with ADHD---and you!

Helpful Homework Strategies and Organizational Tips for ADHD

1. First of all, a daily homework or assignment notebook is key. Make certain that your child has one from the first day of a new term. Some schools provide this automatically as part of the curriculum materials for their students. If this is not the practice at your child's school, it will be a very good investment to purchase one for him.

2. “Gently” request of your child’s teacher that she "sign off" in his assignment notebook at the end of each day (like a double check that all needed work is listed and materials are in the backpack). This is considered an “accommodation” for children with attention challenges and/or organizational issues. If your child is currently enrolled in a departmental program, each teacher may need to be asked for this accommodation after each class.

Many schools will provide this described accommodation if kindly requested. There are some school districts, however, that will require an IEP to be in place before this accommodation to be provided. In still other districts, online access to homework assignments is available to parents. Yet, even this technology cannot ensure that your child will have brought home the needed books and other materials for the work to be completed.

3. Prepare a dedicated place for your child to study each evening (without the presence of “entertainment” tech devices). Yes, a computer may be necessary for homework, but provide appropriate rules for its use---ahead of time. Make sure that all supplies and materials are at-hand to prevent excessive “wandering” and other distractions.

4. Use Post-It notes at eye level in the study space (or elsewhere for other chores/jobs). They can serve as very good, VISUAL reminders of tasks still needing attention and follow-through. You might even suggest a different color note for each subject or other description. It can be somewhat “satisfying” for your child to take down and tear up a sticky note for a homework assignment or job well done.

5. Allow your child to have a few breaks and some physical movement before, during and after homework sessions. A brief walk outside for just 5 minutes or so can be all that is needed to re-focus and study even more effectively upon return.

6. Have all items needed for school prepared and ready the EVENING BEFORE a school day:
a. Set the breakfast table each weeknight for the next school day. Even place the cereal boxes (unsweetened, of course) within reach there.
b. Ask your child to put all assignments and supplies inside his back-pack and then you can CHECK to see that all is packed away as needed. The back-pack should then be placed near the exit door.
c. Choose and lay out (or hang up) all school clothing within reach in your child’s room.

7. Remember to INVOLVE your child in each of the above preparations, teaching him to think ahead, helping him develop good organizational skills and enabling him to see that good habits like these can result in much more academic success for him---and PEACE at home!

8. To see a FREE printable list of MORE strategies for both home AND the classroom, please visit http://www.focusandread.com/learning-strategies.

We hope that you will try the strategies described here with your child. They could make a real difference in your child's academic success this school year.

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Image Provided by Classroom Clipart

Android Apps for ADHD

It’s no secret that dyslexia apps are the most sought-after resource on our blog here. However, in second place, it’s all about apps for ADHD. Although Apple is definitely dominant in the U.S. with its iPad and iPhone apps, the Android market is growing elsewhere on a global scale---and quickly!

With this expanding Android market and the most recent statistics from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) currently showing nearly 8% of U.S. children with a diagnosis of some type of attention deficit disorder, we felt compelled to provide our readers with a collection of Android app resources for AD/HD.

Once again, let us know if you have tried some of the apps listed here, and please don’t hesitate to tell us of other great ADHD Android apps you’ve discovered. If your reviews are “glowing”, we’ll be glad to add those app titles to our list!

FREE Android Apps for ADHD

AndroidZoom: Apps Discoverer
From Androidzoom (FREE)---Discovering good apps is no longer a chore! Awesome ADHD apps can now be at your fingertips!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/androidzoom-apps-discoverer_ckhhq.html?featured=true&trackId=ea679c1d-7d2b-46c8-9db8-744cb96e4439

ADHD Test
From Rafael Bassan (FREE)---Take this Attention Deficit Disorder test if you suspect problems with you or your child's hyperactivity or distractibility.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=inutilsoft.ADHDTest&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwyLDEsImludXRpbHNvZnQuQURIRFRlc3QiXQ..

ADHD SECRETS+
From GoogleKeywordsVideos (FREE) Help and support for parents of children with ADHD
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/health_and_fitness/adhdsecrets_conly.html

ToDo List TaskDash ADHD
From kreativsinn (FREE)---The smoother way organize your daily tasks and calendar schedule---TaskDash will assign a time slot for each task according to its impact. It is so easy to be organized and productive with this to-do manager!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/productivity/todo-list-taskdash-adhd_cccas.html

Voice Flashlight Free
From ADhD Studios (FREE)---Introducing the world's first and only voice controlled flashlight! A lightweight & no-nonsense flashlight / strobe light / siri light
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/voice-flashlight-free_cjkfw.html

Count! The Tally Counter
From ADhD Studios (FREE)--- The tally counter you can count on!
Count laps, reps, inventory, cars, people, angry birds, shots of vodka or even nickels from your piggy bank!
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/tools/count-the-tally-counter_clcsc.html

Alarm Clock Plus
From Binary Tactics, LLC. (FREE but with ads)--- This is the most fully-featured & stable Android alarm clock app available---FREE and with no limitations!
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vp.alarmClockPlusDock&feature=related_apps#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwOSwiY29tLnZwLmFsYXJtQ2xvY2tQbHVzRG9jayJd

Other Android Apps for ADHD
(Prices listed are those at the time of this article's publication.)

The Best Android Apps for Forgetful People
From Gizmodo.com---(Various prices)---A list of apps to help with remembering tasks, dates, etc.
http://gizmodo.com/5692320/best-android-apps-for-forgetful-people

Coping with ADHD
From KoolAppz (Price: $1.37)---Helpful app for dealing with a loved one who has ADHD
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.koolappz.EP77701110001

ADHD Alarm Clock
From Cognitive Psychiatry PLLC (Price: $1.99)--- App is designed to help those with Adult ADHD get to work, school, or their first appointment on time every day. The app prompts the user to enter their morning routine and an estimate of time for each part of a routine, such as shower, etc.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=adhd.alarm.clock&hl=en

ADHD Timer
From Niels Christian Bach (Price: $1.05)--- This app visualizes that time is moving. It is easy to see elapsed time and the time remaining. The exact time is not shown---only relative time. Works particularly well if you have ADHD. Kids with ADHD love this app and parents will love not having so many conflicts. App is easy to use. Just provide the minutes for the task and press start.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dk.bach1.test

Resources:
Blog site: AndroidZoom Discovering the Best Android Apps
http://www.androidzoom.com/android_applications/adhd/by_matching?rating=1

For more information:
www.FocusandRead.com Tools for struggling readers of all ages!
www.BrennanInnovators.com Info & support for struggling readers
314-892-3897

Clipart courtesy of: http://openclipart.org/search/?query=android