3 Models of Schools For ADHD

Traditional classrooms can be very difficult for children with ADHD to navigate. In the traditional classroom, children are expected to stay seated and be quiet, except for when given permission by a teacher to move around or speak. Children who are enthusiastic about a subject may get in trouble for blurting out questions and answers, rather than raising their hand and waiting calmly to be called on. On the other hand, children who are bored with a subject or activity will daydream or get out of their seat, attempding to keep their minds and bodies stimulated. Those with ADHD often learn best when they are moving, so a child who is thinking hard may get up and pace around... a big "behavior concern" in a traditional classroom. This is why kids with ADHD often get labeled as having behavioral challenges, and may spend a lot of time being redirected or scolded in the classroom.

Parents may find themselves looking for an ADHD school for their child. However, there are not many schools geared specifically towards kids with ADHD. Another option is to look for ADHD-friendly models of schools. Families looking for an ADHD school near Vancouver, WA can turn to our school, Someday School. For families living in other areas, here are some ideas for ADHD-friendly schools.

Montessori Schools -  Like Someday School, Montessori schools focus on child-led learning and hands-on experience. Classrooms usually consist of children of various ages. They use a system known as "freedom within limits," in which the teachers set out activity options for children to choose from. While a child at Someday School may choose an option provided by the teachers or come up with their own activities, kids in a Montessori School generally do something provided by the teacher. For children with ADHD, choosing to work on something that interests them strongly makes it more likely that they will be able to focus and stay engaged. Most Montessori Schools are for children ages 6 and under.

Waldorf Schools - Waldorf Schools put a lot of emphasis on art, music, gardening, and foreign languages. Children learn to write before they learn how to read, by exploring the structure of letters of the alphabet. Lessons are teacher-led, and children spend two to three hours a day on each academic block. When a child is very active or has trouble paying attention, a Waldorf teacher may handle it by leading them to a calming activity. Children who deal well with firm structure, calmness, and a steady rhythm of the day may benefit from a Waldorf school.

Reggio-Emilia Schools - There are many similarities between Reggio-Emilia Schools and Someday School. Reggio-Emilia Schools are project based. If a child is interested in a topic, the teacher will engage him and other interested children in a project to learn more about it. The idea is for children to learn to find answers for themselves, rather than just learning to remember answers and recite them back to the teacher. The environment is thought of as another teacher, and a lot of emphasis is put on teaching children to respect each other and their belongings.

When choosing a school for your child with ADHD, the most important thing is to think about your individual child and how he or she learns. Someday School is perfect for children with strong interests who love learning about new things using their own ideas. For those who live outside of the Vancouver, WA, area, a Montessori School or Reggio-Emilia School may be a great match. Children who do well in very calm and rigid environments may do best with a Waldorf School. Of course, every city and state has its own independent schools that may operate within their own philosophies, so parents should spend some time doing research to find the best ADHD school.

Parents looking for a gread ADHD school near Vancouver, WA, should contact Someday School to find out more!