Mentor San Diego Child Day Care Services in San Diego

 Article by: Stefan Hochfilzer (ClubXcite Founder)

In preschool and early school years attention deficit hyperactivity disorder becomes apparent in some children. These children have high energy, have a hard time paying attention and their behavior is hard to control. It is likely that in a classroom of 24-30 children, at least one will have ADHD. Many children with ADD or ADHD have other learning disabilities.

ADHD is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There are three subtypes of ADHD recognized by professionals. Children can either be predominantly hyperactive or impulsive, predominantly inattentive (ADD) or a mixture of both.

Hyperactivity is when a child is always involved in something. They seem to have large amounts of energy, are constantly in motion and talk incessantly. Instead of sitting still they squirm around, making tapping noises and fidget in their seats.

Impulsivity is characterized by a desire to act immediately when they see something they are interested in. They act without prior thought and my say inappropriate things, display their emotions without restraint and act without regard to consequences. It may be hard for them to wait for their turn and may just grab toys from other children.

Inattentive children have a hard time focusing on one task. When they are doing something they don’t want to do, they get distracted easily or just get bored with what they are doing. On the other hand if they are interested in their task then they can spend hours focused. Homework is an example of difficult tasks for these children.

To assess whether a child has ADHD, specialists consider several critical questions: Are these behaviors excessive, long-term, and pervasive? That is, do they occur more often than in other children the same age? Are they a continuous problem, not just a response to a temporary situation? Do the behaviors occur in several settings or only in one specific place like the playground or in the schoolroom?

Some disorders that sometimes accompany ADHD are learning disabilities (difficulties in understanding sounds and words, expressing feelings, reading, spelling and writing disorders), Tourette Syndrome, Oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety and depression, and bipolar disorder.

There are many types of medications that physiatrists like to prescribe to children but I do not believe in any of these drugs. I believe that involving a young energetic mentor to work with these children on a constant basis improves performance and helps them with schoolwork and other behavioral problems.

Mentors use the following methods working with children with ADD or ADHD:

• Allow child to change work sites frequently while completing homework or studying

• Assign tasks involving movement such as passing out papers, running errands, watering plants

• Use music as a tool for transitioning, song = task

• Vary tone of voice: loud, soft, whisper

• Stage assignments and divide work into smaller chunks with frequent breaks

• Teach student to verbalize a plan before solving problems or undertaking a task

• Permit child to do something with hands while engaged in sustained listening: stress ball, worry stone, paper folding, clay

• Use inconspicuous methods such as a physical cue to signal a child when she or he tunes out

• Provide opportunities for student to show divergent, creative, imaginary thinking and get peer recognition for originality

• Employ multi-sensory strategies when directions are given and lessons presented

• Schedule. Have the same routine every day, from wake-up time to bedtime. The schedule should include homework time and playtime (including outdoor recreation and indoor activities such as computer games). Have the schedule on the refrigerator or a bulletin board in the kitchen. If a schedule change must be made, make it as far in advance as possible.

• Organize needed everyday items. Have a place for everything and keep everything in its place. This includes clothing, backpacks, and school supplies.

• Use homework and notebook organizers. Stress the importance of writing down assignments and bringing home needed books.

Children with ADHD or ADD need consistent rules that they can understand and follow. If rules are followed, give small rewards. Children with ADHD often receive, and expect, criticism. Look for good behavior and praise it.

 

What is ClubXcite?

Xcite! is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals to grow as athletes, students, and friends. The “Xcite! Way” is the philosophy that an enjoyable teaching style translates to accelerated learning and unmatched performance. With a fun, non-competitive, and encouraging environment, motivated and well-rounded students are created who reach their utmost potential.

Personal growth
Xcite! programs offer a way for children to gain valuable social and team working skills. The “Xcite! Way” inspires students to think positively and encourages self-motivation. Instructors identify student’s strengths and weaknesses so that participants can effectively utilize natural talent while developing weaker areas. Our approach helps students become well rounded and motivated individuals.

Making friends
Sports teams and other extracurricular programs provide for a healthy environment in which students can make friends with individuals in the same community. It is our goal to provide students with a strong foundation so that they feel comfortable interacting with their new neighborhood friends both in and outside of the Xcite! program. Xcite! encourages its participants to form ad hoc teams or practice sessions so that they may build upon the skills that Xcite! has taught them.

Family oriented
Xcite! realizes the importance of building a strong family network throughout the community. Upon creating an environment where families are involved in the children’s successes and achievements, Xcite! strives to create a united and spirited community.

Investing in your child’s future
Our mentors understand what it takes to optimize performance. It is our desire for children to take the skills learned at Xcite! and translate them into measurable successes. Whether it be joining a high school team, or gaining a college scholarship, Xcite! mentors individuals who desire to be top performers.

I encourage you to contact me personally if you would like more information on customizing a program to match your child's needs.