Carol
Retired teacher with time for you.
I am a retired elementary teacher with experience working with learning disabilities and English language learners. I am experienced with all basic skills. For reading and writing with children I use a simple approach that can be taught to caregivers and takes no special supplies. I use the child's interests to produce practice reading materials, and use the child's own vocabulary in order to focus on the process of reading. New vocabulary is taught as a separate skill. I can teach a brigh...
ADD/ADHD
During the course of teaching elementary school for 20 years, I have taught many students with ADD and ADHD, several students with diabetes, several with dyslexia, one with dysgraphia, one student with Turret's syndrome, and my own son, who is now in his 30's, has Aspergers. In addition, my husband has adult ADHD and I have read the book "Healing ADD" by Dr. Amen, which sites brain research, includes tests for determining the type of ADD a person has, and diet and drug suggestions which we followed to improve his functionality. I highly recommend this book. There are six basic types of ADD and a person can have multiple combinations of those types. Basically, however, a person either has difficulty focusing on tasks, hyper focuses on some things, or has sensitivity to outside stimulus. My job is to help a person learn to cope with their unique learning style, and learn to compensate for their deficits and capitalize on their strengths. I can help them develop a system that helps compensate, such as making a list of all the parts of a task and checking them off when completed so that if they become distracted by something, they can get back on task quickly by looking at the list. Another strategy for those who have the hyperactive component is to provide alternative ways to deal with their impulsive nature. Finding ways to shorten unpleasant tasks with ingenuity is a challenge for them. Teaching them to look ahead and make a plan for situations beforehand. For instance, at times when they must sit still and are having difficulty, they might use a squeeze ball to focus their movements to a non-distracting activity. For those who "space out", a timer for tasks sometimes works, using very short time periods and many smaller tasks. Working with a peer who can help them keep on track is sometimes useful, if you can find a good match. Also designing a rest moment with a deep breath or two between tasks allows the child a rest from the stress of trying to focus when a task is long and difficult. Rewards are also sometimes effective with children with ADD/ADHD.
Aspergers
During the course of teaching elementary school for 20 years, I have taught many students with ADD and ADHD, several students with diabetes, several with dyslexia, one with dysgraphia, one student with Turret's syndrome, and my own son, who is now in his 30's, has Aspergers.