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School Readiness for Children with ADHD

 Preparing for school can be an exciting yet challenging time, especially for children with ADHD. School readiness for children with ADHD involves more than academic abilities, it requires a focus on behavioural, emotional, and social skills. Early intervention strategies and thoughtful preparation can help children transition to the school environment more smoothly.

 

Understanding School Readiness for Children with ADHD 

 

School readiness for children with ADHD means ensuring they have the skills and strategies necessary to navigate the classroom environment. This includes the ability to follow routines, engage with peers, and manage attention-related challenges. By focusing on these areas before school starts, we can set our children up for success. 

 

Key Components of School Readiness for Children with ADHD 

 

  1. Building Attention and Focus One of the most significant challenges for children with ADHD is maintaining attention in a classroom setting. Activities that promote sustained attention, such as puzzles or simple step-by-step games, can help prepare them for the structured learning environment. Gradually increasing the duration of such activities can build their focus over time. 
  2. Developing Routines Establishing daily routines is essential for school readiness for children with ADHD. Predictable schedules help children feel secure and understand expectations. Parents can create a morning routine that mirrors the school day, including set times for waking up, eating breakfast, and getting dressed. Practicing these routines before the school term begins can ease the transition. 
  3. Social Skills and Peer Interaction Social interaction can be challenging for children with ADHD, as impulsivity and difficulty reading social cues may be common. Parents can foster these skills by organizing playdates or role-playing scenarios such as sharing, taking turns, or resolving conflicts. Positive reinforcement can encourage appropriate social behaviour, building confidence in social settings. 
  1. Emotional Regulation and Coping Strategies Emotional regulation is another critical aspect of school readiness for children with ADHD. Teaching children techniques like deep breathing or counting to calm down can help them manage frustration or anxiety. Using visuals, such as an emotion chart, can assist children in identifying and expressing their feelings. 
  2. Engaging in Physical Activity Regular physical activity can help children with ADHD release energy and improve focus. Activities such as running, swimming, or yoga can be incorporated into their routine to prepare them for the sitting and listening required in school. 

 

Parental and Educator Involvement 

 

At Catch Up Kids, we collaborate with parents and educators as this plays a crucial role in school readiness for children with ADHD. Communication with families and schools is vital to ensure that teachers understand the child’s unique needs. Sharing strategies that work for that specific child can help teachers create a supportive classroom environment. 

Additionally, we also collaborate with specialists, such as occupational or speech therapists, who can provide additional strategies. Early intervention can significantly improve a child’s ability to cope with the demands of school, ensuring a smoother transition and greater long-term success. 

Conclusion 

 

School readiness for children involves a combination of preparing attention, routines, social skills, and emotional regulation. By fostering these skills and working closely with educators and specialists, we can empower our children to thrive in school. Early preparation and a supportive environment can make a huge difference for children with ADHD, giving them the tools they need to succeed academically and socially. 

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Kickstart the new year with our team of expert tutors!

As the new academic year approaches, it’s time to explore avenues that will give your child the strong start they need for the academic year. Our team of expert tutors are ready to provide your child with the guidance they need towards a path of academic excellence from the outset. Our team of expert tutors are equipped with the expertise to ensure that your child received the support they need to overcome hurdles they may come across along the way. Whether your child needs reinforcement in subjects that they struggle with or guidance in tackling more complex concepts, our tutors are dedicated to providing the necessary support tailored to your child’s specific needs. 

Transitioning to a new grade can often be overwhelming for students. The pressure of adapting to a different academic level and adjusting to increased workload can be daunting. At Catch Up Kids, we understand these challenges and offer the necessary guidance and support to help your child navigate these transitions. Our tutors provide a supportive environment where your child can confidently tackle the demands of a new academic year. Our tutors do not only provide homework support, but they are also trained to provide comprehensive assistance, whether it’s learning challenges or behavioural issues. At Catch Up Kids we believe in using a holistic approach, addressing not just academic needs but also fostering personal growth and development. At Catch Up Kids, we will provide your child with the necessary support that they need to cope with classroom pressures. 

Our one-on-one approach allows your child to learn at a comfortable pace whilst receiving the attention that they need to achieve great results. At Catch Up Kids, we view education as a collaborative effort involving parents, teachers, and the child themselves. We encourage active participation and open communication, ensuring that everyone involved is aware of the child’s progress. By fostering this partnership, we create a supportive network where your child’s growth becomes a shared goal, leading to a more enriching and effective learning experience. By focusing on the unique requirements of each child, we not only aim for academic success but also foster the essential skills necessary for a fulfilling and successful life beyond the classroom. 

To ensure your child kickstarts the new year on the right foot academically, enrolling them with Catch Up Kids is the way to go. This new year, empower your child to excel academically and overcome any challenges that come their way by enrolling them with Catch Up Kids. Let’s embark on this journey together, unlocking your child’s full potential. 

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Common learning difficulties in children

Every child’s learning journey is unique. Many children encounter hurdles that can impede their progress and it is important to identify these challenges early to seek the necessary intervention. Implementing effective strategies can significantly aid children in overcoming these obstacle and assist them in achieving great results at school. Here are some common learning difficulties kids face and ways to address them: 

1. Dyslexia: Children with dyslexia struggle to read, write, and spell. They might struggle identifying words or remembering how to spell certain words. 

2. ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder): Children with ADHD struggle with focusing for long periods of time, impulse control, and hyperactivity, making it challenging to concentrate in the classroom. 

3. Dyscalculia: Dyscalculia affects mathematical abilities, leading to difficulties in understanding numbers, calculations, and mathematical concepts. 

4. Auditory Processing Disorder: APD affects how the brain processes auditory information, leading to challenges in understanding spoken language and following instructions. 

5. Visual Processing Disorder: Visual processing disorders hinder a child’s ability to interpret and make sense of visual information. 

6. Executive Functioning Issues: Executive functioning issues affect planning, organization, time management, and self-regulation skills in children. 

 

Effective Solutions: 

 

1. Individualized Education Plan (IEP): Creating personalized learning plans tailored to the child’s specific needs. These personalized plans are constantly modified to suit the child’s learning needs. 

2. Multisensory Learning: Use methods that engage multiple senses simultaneously, such as incorporating visuals, auditory aids, and hands-on activities to reinforce learning. 

3. Specialized Instruction: Seek specialized tutoring or interventions targeted at the particular difficulty the child is facing, such as reading specialists for dyslexia or math interventions for dyscalculia. 

4. Positive Reinforcement and Support: Encourage and celebrate small achievements, fostering a positive learning environment that boosts the child’s confidence and motivation. 

5. Structured Routines and Organization: Establish consistent routines and provide organisational strategies to help children manage tasks and stay focused. 

6. Collaboration and Communication: Maintain open communication between parents, teachers, and specialists to ensure a cohesive approach to addressing the child’s learning difficulties. 

 

Understanding and addressing these learning difficulties requires patience, empathy, and a collaborative effort between parents, educators, and professionals. By implementing tailored strategies and providing the necessary support, children can navigate these challenges and thrive academically and personally. 

 

Catch Up Kids designs programmes that specifically target your child’s skills deficits. Our aim is to assist your child with their learning difficulties and to ensure that the difficulties they are facing do not hinder their progress or lead to grade retention. Our specialised one-on-one sessions will assist your child in reaching their age-appropriate developmental milestones. 

 

Children with common learning difficulties struggle in the classroom and tend to always fall behind. To avoid grade retention, get your child the support that they need by contacting Catch Up Kids. 

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Remedial / Extra Classes

Remedial / Extra Classes – classes within a school setting- have aspects of traditional schooling, but focus on providing individual instructions, instead of giving instructions to the class as a whole. Teachers who teach remedial classes have specialised training that allows them to understand the individual needs of students with Autism, ADHD, other neurological conditions, and learning disorders. Due to their training, these teachers are often more patient, as they have learned about the behaviours which these children may display.

Remedial / Extra Classes also tend to be quite a bit smaller, but still focus on the social and communicative areas of peer-play and teamwork. These classes are more accommodating for the sensory needs of the children by often allowing frequent breaks for regulation and sensory input.

The four main steps of remedial teaching/classes are:

  • Prepping and collecting supporting materials that are specially for the abilities and capacity of the students.
  • Adapting the educational curriculum to the abilities of the children, especially through organising the resources in a way that is easier to understand for differently wired minds. This also includes making sure that the work is challenging (to prevent boredom, and thus non-compliance), but not so challenging that the child no longer wants to attempt the lesson.
  • Choosing appropriate teaching strategies, and teaching at a slower pace than in traditional classes. One of the strategies includes starting the lesson with an achievable goal, so that the child is motivated and willing to attempt a more demanding task.
  • Organising teaching materials, including materials that provide multi-sensory learning, interesting methods of learning, engaging colours, images, and themes.

In remedial classes, there is also a primary focus on rewarding trying, not just rewarding the desired outcome. This is the most important aspect of special needs education, as there is no incentive for the child to try if they do not know it is safe to make a mistake. Children with special needs often struggle can heavily impact their confidence and sense of self-worth, so it must be ensured that the environment is a calm, engaging, positive space for each individual.

Sometimes children can attend remedial / extra Classes independently, and other times, the child might require facilitation from a tutor, instructor, or therapist. School facilitation is the process in which the child is accompanied by a special-needs professional. The professional may be simply a supportive measure, or the needs of the child may be more intensive. Intensive support may look like running a toileting programme, showing the child how to complete activities and completing it with them, teaching communication methods, assisting social interaction, applying consistency in regard to complying with classroom rules and schedules, and explaining situations that the child might not understand or might be distressed by.

Remedial classes are an option for children with special needs, even if they are a higher-needs child. Should these needs require even more support than just a remedial class, school facilitations are an option to create the optimal environment of learning and trying!

Article by: A. Pascoe (2023)

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ADD and ADHD Experts

 ADHD presents many challenges, but it is essential to recognize that a team of experts can significantly reduce the symptoms and empower children to lead fulfilling lives. In this article, we’ll explore the essential components of a comprehensive support system for children with ADHD and how organizations like Catch Up Kids can make a significant impact. The first step in empowering children with ADHD is to create a tailored treatment plan that accommodates their unique needs. Each child with special needs is different, so it’s crucial to have a team of ADD & ADHD experts, including paediatricians, psychologists, and educators, working together to determine the most effective strategies. The primary goal is to provide a supportive environment that aids in the child’s development while managing their ADHD symptoms. 

 

At Catch Up Kids, we understand the importance of a holistic approach to ADHD management. We actively collaborate with your child’s school to facilitate the child’s learning and development. This support extends to parents as well, equipping them with the necessary knowledge needed to provide a nurturing environment at home. The liaison between the parents and the school and Catch Up Kids, ensures that the child receives consistent care and understanding. 

 

Equipping your child with essential life skills is our number one priority at Catch Up Kids.

 

These skills include: 

1. Executive Functioning Skills: These skills help children plan, organize, and complete tasks. Catch Up Kids offers specialized training to enhance executive functioning skills, making it easier for children to manage their daily lives. 

2. Motor Skills: Improving fine and gross motor skills can help children with ADHD participate in physical activities and develop better coordination. 

3. Adaptive Skills: These skills help children become more self-sufficient, teaching them to manage daily tasks like personal hygiene and self-care effectively. 

4. Social Skills: Social skills are vital in building relationships. Children with ADHD may struggle understanding social cues, and the programme at Catch Up kids will assist your child with navigating social situations with confidence. 

5. Cognition: Enhancing cognitive abilities to improve the child’s problem-solving and decision-making skills. 

 

Support at home and in the school setting is crucial for children with ADHD. Catch Up Kids’ school facilitation services are designed to bridge the gap between home and school, this coordination between home and school is essential for the child’s progress. By focusing not only on symptom management but also on developing critical life skills, Catch Up Kids goes beyond the conventional approach to ADHD care. If you are looking to empower your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to Catch Up Kids. Our expertise and tailored programs can make a significant difference in your child’s life, helping them overcome the challenges of ADHD. 

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Remedial Tutoring

The term “remedial” stems from the term “to remedy”. This is not the implication that the deficits the child presents due to developmental and learning disabilities can be cured, but rather the assistance to manage these life-impacting symptom. The true aim of remedial tutoring to improve core learning skills to the point where learning and completing daily tasks is not a debilitating process for the child. Remedial teaching can take place one-on-one, or in small groups. 

This is not only a process of teaching, but also the focus of teaching essential developmental skills that may not come naturally to the child. Remedial tutoring is a one-on-one teaching method for children who may need additional educational support. Remedial tutors range from being very hands on- seeing the child frequently to recap what they have been learning in other avenues of their education- or used as an additional support tool when needed. 

Remedial tutoring is one of the many holistic tools available that can better the quality of life for the child with the developmental condition. 

Unlike occupational therapy, there is focus on motor skills, coordination, muscle development, and generalised life skills, but it is important to note that both these practices develop the areas of the brain that are responsible for structure, organising information, pre-handwriting/handwriting skills, comprehension, language, and numeracy skills.

The remedial tutor is frequently in contact with the child’s teacher in order to clearly understand which areas of the child’s education must be focused on. It also allows the tutor to know when certain class work needs to be caught up on. The tutor can help the learner understand what’s expected of them academically and help them understand the steps and goals needed for them to complete their tasks and reach their potential. 

For older children or teenagers, remedial tutoring can also include teaching the child how to study, how to summarise, revise, and take their examinations or tests. The tutor may also be present during the child’s examination to either help them with the reading or writing aspects of taking the test. The tutor may supervise an examination in which the student has extra-time needs. 

When searching for a remedial tutor, there are some things to look for, and some things to avoid. Avoid tutors that believe that remedial tutoring can “cure” the child from their disorder. The disorder will always be present in the child’s life, but the tutor must understand that the goal is to teach the child fundamental learning skills for them exist and learn in a way that does not constantly cause excessive distress. 

Avoid tutors that use punishment to “fix” mistakes. Rather, find a tutor that focuses on firmly correcting the child’s error by making them aware of the mistake, letting them know it is okay to make mistakes, and encouraging them to try again. 

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ADHD and School Challenges

The challenges caused by ADHD that children face when in the classroom setting, can delay progress and cause the child to produce work that is not on par with their grade requirements. Understanding the symptoms that autism presents and how to manage these symptoms is essential for parents and educators alike. To foster an environment that is conducive for the child to learn and to help manage ADHD and school challenges, it is important for teachers to acknowledge the unique needs that children with special needs have. 

Most children diagnosed with ADHD struggle with the following: 

1. Lack of Attention: One of the hallmark symptoms of ADHD is inattention. Students with ADHD may find it challenging to focus on lessons, tasks, or assignments for sustained periods. This can lead to missed instructions and incomplete work. 

2. Irritability: Students with ADHD may become easily frustrated or overwhelmed in a classroom environment, especially when tasks require prolonged concentration. This irritability can affect their interactions with teachers and peers. 

3. Inability to Follow Instructions: Processing verbal instructions and organizing tasks can be particularly challenging for students with ADHD. They may struggle to follow multi-step directions, leading to difficulties in completing assignments or staying on track during lessons. 

In most mainstream schools, educators are not trained to work with children with neurodevelopmental issues. To accommodate children with learning challenges, these are the schooling options that parents can opt for: 

1. A mainstream school with special education services and individualized accommodations to help them succeed. 

2. A remedial school with a smaller class size and a more structured environment, which can provide additional support. 

3. A special needs school in the case that the child’s ADHD is accompanies by another disability. A special needs school specializes in providing tailored education and support for students with a range of disabilities. 

Benefits of an individualised education Programme: 

Catch Up Kids designs individualized education programmes for children with learning challenges. Catch Up Kids also provides school facilitation services. We will assign a team of expert tutors who are trained to work with children with special needs, and a case manager to supervise the child’s programme. The benefits of having an individualised education programme designed by Catch Up Kids include: 

1. Extended Time and support: Providing extra time for assignments, tests, or exams to accommodate slower processing and to provide the child with the necessary support. 

2. Frequent Break: Allowing short, frequent breaks to help students manage restlessness and refocus. 

3. Reduced Distractions: Creating a quiet and organized workspace within the classroom. 

4. Modifying assignments: Simplifying or breaking down complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps. 

5. Behavioural Interventions: Implementing strategies to address impulsive behaviour and improve self-regulation. 

6. Regular Communication: Maintaining open communication between teachers, parents, and special education staff to monitor progress and make necessary adjustments. Having frequent meetings to discuss the child’s progress. 

Navigating school with ADHD can be difficult, but with the right support and strategies, students with ADHD and school challenges can thrive academically. Whether in mainstream, remedial, or special needs schools, the key is to create an inclusive and understanding learning environment. An individualized play a pivotal role in tailoring education to meet the specific needs of each student, ensuring they receive the necessary accommodations and support to overcome the challenges associated with ADHD. To find out more about the services we provide, contact Catch Up Kids today! 

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Remedial Help for Neurodivergent Children

Remedial Help for Neurodivergent children is a simple concept; it is designed to teach a child the basic skills that they may not have developed independently due being on the neurodivergent spectrum. Some children may need basic help, whereas other children may be more high needs, but remedial help can benefit children with a range of needs and assistance. The different types of remedial teaching include:

Small group tutoring

Small group teaching is an imitate gathering hosted by an educational professional (whether a remedial teacher, tutor, therapist, or instructor), who is dedicated to teaching these children in a manner that mainstream education cannot. Two to five students can be part of this group for it to be considered as tutoring a small group.  

One-on-one tutoring

One-on-one tutoring, as in its name, is where one educational professional will work with one child at a time. This is a method that allows the professional to build rapport with the child, to know what learning works for them, what motivates them, while also limiting distractors (and preventing the child from distracting others). This method may work for some children, but others need the social and interactive stimulus of a busier setting. 

Multi-sensory learning

A form of learning that benefits children, especially neurodivergent children, is learning that engages all the child’s senses to better their understanding of the material being learned. The purpose of this learning is to engage more than one sense at a time (through using the auditory and kinaesthetic-tactile pathways) to enhance the child’s memory and mental approach to learning.

Technology-based resources

Technology, in all different forms, can provide an access to the world for neurodivergent people that they would not have had without it. Any tool that can be used digitally to assist with any form of remedial education, an example being programmes that have pictures of the child’s favourite objects or requests, which allows the child to click on the picture of what they need in that moment. 

Positive reinforcement

The most important part of all education is positive reinforcement- this is one of the pillars of remedial help. Patience and encouragement of the child and their personal goals should be one of the main takeaways from understanding remedial help. 

Remedial help can be as simple as explaining something in a clear manner as opposed to using resources that were not designed with neurodivergent children in mind. It is about creating a space where a child feels safe enough child to make mistakes and learn from them. 

Aspects of remedial teaching include:

The basis of remedial help is understanding the differences in way so understanding, thinking, and perceiving the world, and assisting the neurodivergent person with their specialised strengths and weaknesses, to allow them to perform in a more well-rounded way, and to reach their highest potential!

Article by: A. Pascoe (2023)

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Learning Disabilities Tutoring

Many children that are predisposed to developmental delays, physical, cognitive, emotional and visual impairments have learning disabilities. These impairments hinder their abilities to keep up academically and with mainstream schooling. Therefore, it is imperative that learners with learning disabilities seek tutoring. A teacher is most likely able to identify students with learning disabilities. They are able to do this as they administer assessments throughout each term. Based on the performance of each assessment, the teacher is able to decipher students who possess learning disabilities. The teacher therefore directs the child and parent to seek further assistance. It is likely that a tutoring service is recommended.

The aim of the learning disabilities tutoring is to assist learners with concepts /skills that they have difficulty with academically. After a consult with a tutoring service, they are able to identify areas that warrant concern and where deficits in learning lies. Thus, the tutoring institution draws up a program to cater for those specific needs. A professional tutoring service is well – equipped to provide the necessary aid for learners with learning disabilities as this is something that specialize in. It is advantageous to use a private tutoring service as they offer the time and attention that a teacher with many other students would not be able to offer. Usually learners with learning disabilities that utilize tutoring services do so as they offer one-to-one assistance. This is ensures that the student with a learning disability receives undivided attention, learner-specific resources and learner-specific teaching methods. Undivided attention is essential to effectively learn a concept. This means that the tutor can spend ample time on a concept based on the child’s pace. Learner-specific resources are simultaneously essential as learning material should contain characters/ language that is easy to understand.

Resources used in tutoring consist of, but not limited to:

  • Appropriate text and image size.
  • Appropriate font (cursive may be difficult to understand/read).
  • Appropriate use of color.
  • Touchscreen devices to cater to students who do not have motor control and are unable to use writing utensils.

Learner- specific teaching methods can consist of, but are not limited to the following:

  • Usage of Acronyms.
  • Usage of Pneumonics.
  • Usage of step-by-step learning.
  • Usage of Patterns.

If one-to-one private tutoring institutions are not within reach or a viable option for students with learning disabilities, remedial schools are an option. They too concurrently have teachers that can offer tutoring in specialized areas. Caregivers should do research when applying to /registering with a tutoring institute to ensure it will effectively assist the learner.

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The Search for the Best Schools for ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that includes various symptoms, such as difficulty paying attention, hyperactivity, and impulsive behaviour. ADHD is diagnosed by a trained professional such as a psychiatrist or psychologist. It has a negative impact on a child’s schooling career as short attention span which is one of the symptoms of ADHD can cause the child to fall behind in the classroom. It is therefore important to find the best schools for ADHD.

When parents receive the diagnosis of ADHD for their child, one of the most pressing concerns is finding a school that can effectively cater to their child’s needs. That’s where Catch Up Kids steps in to offer support. Our specialized programmes are designed to provide invaluable assistance in managing the symptoms of ADHD, ensuring that your child can thrive in a mainstream school setting.

At Catch Up Kids we understand that the traditional classroom environment can be overwhelming for children with ADHD. They made find it difficult to pay attention in class or follow instructions. Our tailored programmes are specifically designed to empower your child in overcoming the challenges that they face. Our school facilitation programme acts as a bridge between your child’s unique needs and the demands of the classroom, creating an environment where they can learn effectively and excel academically. Our aim is to assist the child in reaching their full potential.

Catch Up Kids is not merely about helping your child adapt to the classroom; it’s about fostering their overall development. Our comprehensive approach includes a range of strategies and techniques that extend beyond just their academics. We focus on equipping your child with essential skills, self-regulation strategies, and coping mechanisms, which are all vital for their long-term success.

Moreover, our dedicated team of expert tutors are committed to working closely with parents and educators to create a support system for your child. We believe that collaboration is key to achieving the best possible outcomes, and we are here every step of the way to provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support as you navigate the journey of finding appropriate support for your child. Our aim is to ensure that your child’s ADHD diagnosis is not a hindrance to their future and to be one of the best schools for ADHD and other learning disorders.

Don’t let ADHD hold your child back. Contact Catch Up Kids today to learn more about how we can make a meaningful difference in your child’s life and educational journey.

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