Fighting the fidgets, finding fortitude,
Frowning, forcing through frustration,
The child with ADHD battles on.
As I have said many times on my blog, I feel truly humble in the face of some children who try so hard to overcome their difficulties despite the many problems they may have - some even stemming from their own families.
We all know how hard it is "fighting the fidgets" - either we're bored, we're not interested, we've got other things to be doing. But just stop and think how hard it is for a child in a classroom, who everyday has to sit in a chair and do what others do, when told to do it, often within quite strict parameters and who is diagnosed with ADHD - what an uphill battle it must be to come into that classroom each day!
I have worked with several of these children who try to keep everything together and naturally don't always succeed but don't give up their struggle - each and every day. They have worked with me on their environment (sitting turned away from others, at the front or back of the class - one even asked for a box either side (a bit like blinkers on a horse) to help them stay on task), their social cues (because others don't like their outbursts), their passions (because each has a gift they can relax into if found) and acting as liaison between them and their family (because they need better understanding at home too sometimes) but they are the ones who have to work at it, holding it together each and everyday and for that I feel truly humble to have been their teacher.
When did you last have an attack of the fidgets? Were school days some of your most golden times or did you dread going? Leave me a comment below :)
I enjoyed school, but I've been lucky - I've always enjoyed learning. I still do! I realise though, that my fidgets were always solved by going and doing something; I became very patient at waiting for things I really wanted in the end.
ReplyDeleteLovely post!
Jemima on Flash Fiction Friday
Thank you, Jemima and I would totally agree that being patient can brings rewards :)
DeleteI loved school so no problem pesonally. Enjoyed my time there. I get the fidgets if I am too long at one place now, have to get myself a change - minor or major.
ReplyDeleteNilanjana
Madly-in-Verse
I think I "fidget" if I stay too long at one job - that's why I've always liked changing classrooms, changing year groups so I don't stagnate!
DeleteI don't remember fidgeting in school so much as having a wondering mind but I am a fidgety person. I'm always moving my feet or hands often times not knowing I'm doing it, too. For children it's harder to deal with these things and it's hard for adults to give these children just what they need. I know your work is hard and hopefully it more fruitful than not. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLet your “fingers do the walking” just follow Curious as a Cathy for the latest in Art Sketching Through the Alphabet featuring the letter “F” for fence, frog, fox, & funny face!
A wondering mind is always a great asset. I have always loved the "teaching children" side of things not so much the unnecessary paperwork or govt initiatives!
DeleteThank you for describing the difficulties that ADHD children struggle with. How impressive it is that they have the resolve to try to overcome and cope.
ReplyDeleteI think I am a fidgety person. I do a lot of internal fidgeting.
I like that you are an "internal" fidgety person - maybe we all are to a degree?
DeleteThank you for your visit it was very kind of you. Fidgeting was not allowed when I was young . . . DAMN that was a long time ago. NO children would be glued to chairs or tied to trees . . . although that might have just been me, still it worked, now I never fidget but I did sometimes tie my grandchildren to trees, or I did until they go to big and I had to hide. .
ReplyDeleteRob Z Tobor
I am quite amazed to find out that you are NOT a fidgety person as your wonderful stories seem to really race around at times :)
DeleteI really feel for kids who struggle this way. Sitting in a classroom all day long just isn't natural. We need to find a better way to educate our children!
ReplyDelete~Katie
TheCyborgMom
I think it all boils down to one size does not fit all and we as teachers need to be allowed to be flexible in our classrooms rather than have things dictated to us by others who have NEVER worked with the children we teach!! Here's to a better tomorrow and understanding in the future :)
DeleteWhat a great teacher you are to work with them, though! I'm sure it can't be easy. And such interesting ideas on helping them with their environment.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
I can't think of a more rewarding job than working with children - they are so amazing and make the world a truly wonderful place - if you dare to see it through their eyes :)
DeleteNo problems for me back in school days. I admit that by Friday afternoon at work, I will fidget and clock watch.
ReplyDeleteI think most of us get that - ready for the weekend feeling :)
DeleteVisiting from A to Z; thank you for visiting my blog. My husband probably would have been diagnosed with ADHD; even as an adult he is figity and he has worked almost his entire adult life at physical jobs. He was so turned off on education, sad to say, that he woulnd't even use his G.I. Bill benefits. The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteThat's why teachers have to find solutions in their classrooms and work WITH the child to help them lessen the problems - I have seen some of these children absolutely blossom in education when given the right support :)
DeleteI get the fidgets a lot now, but in school it was hard to stay awake through boring classes.
ReplyDeleteI have always tried hard to make lessons fun with lots of interactive parts to them - that's why I am not such a fan of being told how to teach from outside bodies!
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