Category: Teaching

  • What should you do when there’s bad behavior? Ask Edie, The Dog Whisperer (in training)

    Professionals know everything.  Why do we think that we get better advice if we pay a lot? DUH…She says that big dogs need big rewards.  So what is it?  Chicken. Day 1.  My little princess Odie walks by my side. Casper pulls to the right.  Chicken. “Good boy.” Day 2.  My princess is right by me,…

  • ADHD:  Finding Academic Success by Overcoming Challenges

    One of the most serious challenges faced by teens and young adults is regarding educational outcomes. High School Experience significantly higher retention rate (42%). More are suspended (60%). Highest drop-out rate (32%). College Fewer enter college (22%). Lower GPA (1.7). Lower graduation rate (5%). These intervention strategies remediate situations. Find a “good fit” for teachers/professors.…

  • Experiencing trouble with following directions?  It might be auditory processing issues.

    Auditory processing transfers sound into the ear and is then interpreted through mental processing.  When delays occur, breakdowns result in difficulties in following verbal instructions.  It can exasperate the ability of students with ADHD to filter out noise in the classroom. Maintain structure and routines. Provide preferential seating (front of the classroom). Present short, specific…

  • What is Executive Functioning? Organizing, getting things done. Here are strategies.

    Executive functioning abilities (cognitive processing) are mental skills to get things done.  They help people organize and act upon information.  These abilities are often a struggle for teens and young adults with ADHD. Planning Remembering things Paying attention Allowing someone to juggle multiple tasks These challenges become obstacles in completing tasks both in and outside…

  • Did you happen to notice that kids with ADHD have extra energy?

    Are ADHD kids like the Energizer Bunny? ​ Traveling on the Wayback Machine… Ahhh…summer.  Half a day working with 3-6 year olds with ADHD.  Ha!  Less than 10 kids and I have an assistant.  This will be a walk in the park compared to my 30+ teenagers crammed into a small room.  I wonder why…

  • Yoga Impacts Attention and Behavior for ADHD (Research)

    “Mindfulness” is all the rage, but it’s really just yoga.   It seeks to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.  Take a few minutes…experience the impact for hours. Warrior pose:  Strengthens arms, thighs, and back.  Stretches his flexors and abdomen.  Improves balance and concentration.

  • How do we stop bullying? Attentive teachers.

    Is bullying a problem?  Set the climate.  Try day-one strategies.  Continue to infinity. The continuing adventures of EdieLovesMath… Well, I’ve already taught math so student teaching will be a cake walk.  An experienced teacher, a good-humored paraeducator, and me together…What could possibly go wrong?  Why do I keep asking that!!! Day 1, the first period…

  • Parents of teens and young adults with ADHD: What do you do when there’s bad behavior?

    “Casper, get off the couch.  Casper, get off the couch.  Casper, get off the couch!  Casper, get off the couch!!  Casper, get off the couch!!!  CASPER, GET OFF THAT COUCH RIGHT NOW OR I’LL GET YOU OFF MYSELF!!!”   Funny when it’s someone other than you.  Just imagine, my Rottweiler puppy outweighs me by 20…

  • Yoga improving the behavior of kids with ADHD?  Yes (Research)

    Yoga improving the behavior of kids with ADHD? Yes (Research)

    As amazing as it might seem, research shows that yoga improves the behavior of children with ADHD.  Watch this quick video on the specific factors impacted. There’s more to come!

  • Why do my students listen to you when they don’t listen to me?

    Why do my students listen to you when they don’t listen to me? Kids screaming. Books flying. What do I do? Kick everyone out! Positive classroom behavior results by setting the climate daily for success. Wear your “warrior” uniform that demonstrates your role of authority. Mine is a pair of jeans, a bright top, a…