SKIP Kids ADHD Workbook 2011 Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic
Table of Contents: Kids ADHD Workbook Handout What Is ADHD? 2 How ADHD Affects Me 3 Goals 5 Attention & Activity Tracker 6 Getting Ready in the Morning 7 Ways to Move at School 8 Tips to Focus at School 9 Staying Organized 10 Attention Problem-Solver 11 Tips to Focus on Homework 12 Self-Monitoring 14 Homework Tracking Work Sheet 15 How Teachers Can Help Me 18 Page 2011 Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic
( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD for short) ADHD can be split into two different types: IINATTENTI ION Inattention means that we have difficulty paying attention to things. Have you ever been trying to do your homework, but little noises and different things around the room seem to distract you? Has your mom or dad asked you to do something, but you forget just a few seconds later what they asked? Do you lose things a lot? Leave books at school, hat, coat, gloves or book bag on the bus, or just don t know where your things are? These things make it hard to do your homework and get things done and can sometimes even get you into trouble. HYPERACTIVITY//IIMPULSI IVITY Hyperactivity means that sometimes we feel like we have so much energy that we just can t stop moving, running around, and touching things. Impulsivity means that we have trouble stopping ourselves from doing something that we know we maybe shouldn t do. Do you have trouble staying in your seat at school or at dinner time? Do you always have to be moving or need to play with something in your hands? Do you get into trouble for things you knew you shouldn t have done, but you just couldn t stop yourself? It might be hard to think about what the right things is to do, or that bad things might happen if we go ahead and do something without thinking. It s kind of like a car that can t use its brakes! If you have ADHD, you might find that you only have difficulty with paying attention, or only with being hyperactive and impulsive. Some kids find that they have trouble with both. Luckily, there are things we can do to help! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 2
When do you have problems paying Attention? Little noises bother me I lose things a lot I forget to hand in homework It s hard to concentrate I forget directions I daydream and zone out I am really messy I make mistakes easily What happens when I have these problems? Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 3
When do you have trouble stopping yourself? I get out of my chair I do things without thinking I run ahead of other people I m always moving my hands I talk when I m not supposed to It s really hard for me to wait What happens when I have these problems? Now that we know what ADHD is and how it affects you, let s think about what we can do about it and what we can work on! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 4
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Write down times when you found yourself having trouble paying attention, concentrating, fidgeting too much, or having done something impulsive (without thinking) Where was I? What was I doing? What did I have trouble with? What happened? Where was I? What was I doing? What did I have trouble with? What happened? Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 6
Getting Ready in the Morning 1. Get your book bag ready the night before. Have your books and your homework packed the night before. This will keep you organized and will help you save time. 2. Set your clothes out at night. This will save time in getting ready, because you won t have to search for your clothes or spend time deciding what to wear. 3. Use a loud alarm clock. Put it far away from your bed so that you have to get up to turn it off. That way you won t go back to sleep. 4. Take your medicine as soon as you wake up. You can take your medicine as soon as you wake up, or about fifteen minutes before you really need to start getting ready. This may give you some extra help in staying on track and concentrating on what needs to get done. 5. Use a timer. A timer can help you stay on track and will show you how much time you have left before you have to leave. 6. Keep a checklist If it is hard for you to remember what you need to get done, try keeping a list in your room where you can check what you still need to get done in the morning before you are ready. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 7
Ways to Move at School Move so no one notices You can tap your fingers together or twirl your thumbs under your desk so you don t make noise. Your teacher may even let you hold a stress ball or something else that doesn t make noise. Try stretching occasionally. Volunteer You can always volunteer to help pass out papers, collect books or take something to the office. This will help you get out of your seat so you can move around. Take a break Let your teacher know that you have ADHD and need to move around more than some other kids. Your parents can help you with this. Make a plan with your teacher that when you need to move, you will show her a sign so that you may get up and walk to the water fountain or move around the room. Outside of class Make sure that you move around a lot when you are allowed to. Do this during lunch, recess and gym. You can also play sports or play with friends after school to burn off some energy. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 8
TIPS TO FOCUS AT SCHOOL Find a good seat It helps to sit in the front of the room away from a window or the hallway. This way kids won t be sitting in front of you to distract you and you won t hear noises or see things outside that will be distracting. Make sure you can see the teacher well. If you are at home, find a place to do your work that is also away from distractions. Do your work in this same place everyday so it becomes a routine. Pay attention and participate If you stay involved in what your teacher and other kids in the class are saying and participate, then you will be less likely to get distracted by something else. Raise your hand and make comments or ask questions. Stop distracting noises Ask to sit in a quiet area of the classroom; again away from a window or a door leading to the hallway. If you are at home, make sure there isn t a TV on or anyone else around you talking. Sometimes a steady noise, like soft music or a fan blowing can be helpful in drowning out any distracting noises. Keep a clean desk Keep things off of the top of your desk so that you can concentrate only on the paper or project you are working on. Clutter can be distracting. Work on One Problem at a Time If too many questions on a paper distract you or overwhelms you, you can use two pieces of paper to cover up everything on the page except the question you are working on. Move the papers along as you finish each problem. Break things up Break up your assignments to help you stay on track. You can try setting a timer and working for 15 minutes then taking a 5 minute break before you go back to work again. You can also try breaking up your work into chunks, like checking in with your teacher after you have finished half of the problems on your sheet. Then you can do the rest. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 9
Staying Organized Keep your desk, book bag and locker clean When you keep these areas clean you will always be able to find what you need. Don t keep things in your book bag or your desk that you do not need. This will only add to the clutter and make it easier to lose the things you do need. Get your things ready the night before Put everything in the correct place the night before. This means putting your homework that is due in the homework folder for each class. Put everything in your bag and have it ready and by the door for the next day. Keep a homework planner Always write down your assignments in your planner at the end of each class and look over it at the end of the day. Make sure that you put each book you will need for each assignment in your book bag to take home with you. Check each piece of homework off as you complete it. Keep your homework only in your homework folder for each class so you do not lose it. Use binders Using a binder is a good way to stay organized. You can keep folders and separators in a binder in order to keep each class separate. You can also keep a homework folder in each section with 2 sides; one is To Do and the other is Completed. Keep your homework planner in the binder as well as other things you might need, like a zippered pouch with pens/pencils, a calculator or a pencil sharpener. Keep your room clean You also don t want to lose things at home. By keeping your room clean you are making sure that you don t lose toys and books you like. Keep your room neat and organized. Keep a place in your room for each of your belongings. Keep books in one area, toys in another and so on. And always pick up after yourself when you are done doing something. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 10
When we know what situations cause us to have the most difficulty paying attention or following directions, we can plan ahead so we will know how to deal with it. If you know that when you sit next to a certain classmate at school, you end up talking more than doing your work, plan on not sitting next to them and playing with them instead at recess. If you know that you have a hard time doing your homework later in the evening because your friends will be outside playing, plan on doing it right when you get home from school. Problem Situation Plan Problem Situation Plan Problem Situation Plan Problem Situation Plan Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 11
Tips to Focus on Homework Make A Homework Spot Make a space in your house that is yours to do your homework everyday. This spot should be only where you do your homework and shouldn t be a place where you play or do other things. This helps you stay focused and puts you in the right state of mind to do your work. Reduce Distractions Make sure you are sitting somewhere that you won t hear noises or see things outside that will be distracting (away from a window or a room where someone is playing or watching TV). Make sure this area is somewhere that you can focus. If bright lights bother you, use a soft table lamp. If bright colors or objects distract you, make sure you are not facing a wall with lots of pictures or that there are not a lot of toys in the room. Sometimes a steady noise, like soft music or a fan blowing can be helpful in drowning out any distracting noises. Break things up Break up your assignments to help you stay on track. You can try setting a timer and working for 15 minutes then taking a 5 minute break before you go back to work again. You can also try breaking up your work into chunks, like checking in with your parent after you have finished half of the problems on your sheet. Then you can do the rest. Keep a Clean Desk Keep things off of the top of your desk so that you can concentrate only on the paper or project you are working on. Clutter can be distracting. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 12
Keep A Homework Planner Always write down your assignments in your planner at the end of each class and look over it at the end of the day. Make sure that you put each book you will need for each assignment in your book bag to take home with you. Check each piece of homework off as you complete it. Keep your homework only in your homework folder for each class so you do not lose it. Use binders Using a binder is a good way to stay organized. You can keep folders and separators in a binder in order to keep each class separate. You can also keep a homework folder in each section with 2 sides; one is To Do and the other is Completed. Keep your homework planner in the binder as well as other things you might need, like a zippered pouch with pens, a calculator or a pencil sharpener. Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 13
You will need: 1. A note card 2. A timer 3. An adult Guide to staying on track while doing Homework When you sit down to start your homework, have only what you need set up in front of you. Remember to be in a place where you can concentrate and won t be distracted. Put your note card next to you and have the timer sitting on or near the table. 1. Set the timer for a short period of time (2 minutes to start) 2. Begin working on your homework 3. When the timer goes off, think to yourself, were you paying attention and working? Or had your mind wandered off or were you busying fidgeting and moving around? 4. This timer is a reminder to you to stay on track with your work, so if you weren t working, get going! 5. The adult you picked to help you, will then come into the room after they have heard the timer go off to make sure you are on track (because you already heard the timer go off, you should be working when they come in). 6. The adult will mark a smiley face or a frowny face on your note card. 7. The adult will then reset the timer with you. Repeat this process until you finish your assignment. As you get better at staying on track you can increase the periods of time. Try 3 minutes next time! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 14
Homework Tracking Worksheet You can use this worksheet to help you keep track of what homework you have to do each day. Write each assignment on the sheet. Then guess how long it should take you to finish each one. If it is a longer assignment, schedule in a break, so that you have time to stretch and refresh yourself so that you will be better able to concentrate. After you finish the assignment, write in how long it took you to complete the assignment. How does it compare to what you guessed? Were you right on? Or did it take you longer or shorter to complete? If it was longer, ask yourself why. Were you having trouble paying attention? Were you distracted by something else? If you did have trouble concentrating, review the list of tips on focusing to see if there is something you can change to help. Lastly, don t forget to cross off the assignment from your list and then put the finished homework into your folder to turn in! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 15
Homework Tracking Worksheet Assignment: Two pages of math problems Estimated Time to Complete: 15 minutes Scheduled Break(s): After I finish the first page Actual Time to Complete: 22 Was I off task? I had a little trouble paying attention since I could hear the television in the other room. If you were off task, what can you do differently? I can ask my sister to turn the TV down, or maybe I could sit in a different room where I can t hear it. Cross the assignment off on your list and put the finished homework in your folder!! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 16
Assignment: How Long It Should Take: Scheduled Break(s): Actual Time to Complete: Was I off task? If you were off task, what can you do differently? Assignment: How Long It Should Take: Scheduled Break(s): Actual Time to Complete: Was I off task? If you were off task, what can you do differently? Cross the assignment off your list and put the finished homework in your folder!! Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 17
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Things To Know About Me: Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 19
In the Classroom: Tell me about what we will be doing that day/class Help me make sure I have everything I need for the day Give me extra time to start on my work Give me only one or two directions at a time Remind me about expectations and rules Remind me to raise my hand if I am talking out Help me find the best seat (front/back of classroom, near you, away from peers) Make sure I am away from distractions Help me to participate so that I can concentrate and stay focused Repeat directions to the class Make eye contact with me to make sure I am listening Give me a signal (tap my desk, walk by me) if I am starting to become distracted Give me a signal if I am being too loud or am distracting others Let me know when I am doing a good job Remind me that I do not need to do things perfectly If I look like I am getting frustrated, talk to me or allow me to take a break Let me talk to the counselor if I need to Give me a job to do if I look like I am distracted or need to move around Let me give you a signal if I need to move around, or if I need a break Try not to single me out if I am having trouble Give me notes on what we will be talking about so it is easier to follow along Tell me how long I will be listening/sitting (show me on the clock) Let me work away from my peers and distractions Help keep the class quiet so I am not distracted Give me something I am allowed to hold to keep my hands busy Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 20
If I need to work in a group, assign peers that will be helpful and patient Tell me how much time is left in each class Give me warnings about when we will be finishing up When I Take a Test: Tell me what kind of test it will be ahead of time (multiple choice, true/false) Help me make a study guide Find me a place to work without distractions (away from peers, in a different room) Give me extra time to complete the test Give me reminders about how much time is left Give me tests in formats that are easier for me to follow along Look over my test with me to make sure I have not forgotten to answer questions Make sure I understand the directions or have me repeat them to you Allow me to take breaks during the test In The Hallways: Remind me of expectations/rules before we leave the classroom Because I like to touch things, give me something to hold in my hand when we change classes Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 21
Ask me to walk near the front of the line so I can be closer to you Let me know where we are going If I need to wait in line, remind me to be patient and let me know how long we will wait Help Me Remember: Have a To Do list or Reminders on the board Check my homework planner to make sure I have everything written down Check my book bag to make sure I have all the books and papers I need Ask me to repeat directions back to you to make sure I understand Remind me to write things down Break things into small steps Assign me a homework buddy that I can call if I have a question Help me to keep a homework folder for each class Remind me what I will need to bring for the next day If there will be a change in the next day s schedule, tell me ahead of time Give me extra time to prepare to leave for the day Ask me if I have any questions Services for Kids In Primary-care (SKIP) Program, Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic 22