If you have a
child in middle or high school, the end of the semester can be a
stressful time for you both. Before we get the feedback of final
grades, our ADHD kiddos need to make it through final exams.
Final exams pose a special problem for our kids. It asks them to recall information from the entire course of the semester, organize study materials and time efficiently and then do well on timed tests. Here are three tips to help your child through final exams.
1. Look at those accommodations. If your child is already on a 504 or IEP plan, look at what accommodations you have in place for testing. Even if your child hasn't needed them throughout the semester, you may want to consider making them take advantage of them during testing time.
If your student isn't already on an accommodation plan, talk with the individual teacher(s). Many will be more than willing to make adaptations to help your child, especially if you have been in contact with them and working with them all semester.
Some possible modifications are: smaller testing group, extended time, or a reader for test questions. Modifications can be as simple as a fidget toy or chewing gum during the exam.
If you ask for an accommodation to be made, please make sure you are being reasonable. The purpose of an accommodation is to level the playing field, not give your child an advantage.
2. Begin reviewing early. Once you know when finals are, sit down with your student to come up with a review plan, then help them to implement it. Make sure you pay attention to the subjects that need more time and review and plan accordingly.
Another way to help your child is to review with them. You can test them, either by asking them questions or helping them actively review. Help them make charts diagrams, graphs - anything that will help them conceptualize the concepts and ideas they need to remember.
3. Talk with the teacher. Once you have a game plan, make sure you have all the materials your child needs to review. If you are missing anything (or suspect you are) contact the teacher asap. Don't wait until the day before the final to ask about a concept your child is having trouble grasping - ask early.
If you are finding that your child needs extra help, email the teacher about tutoring. Many teachers hand out a review packet as well - make sure your child has one and if they are prone to losing things, ask the teacher for an extra. This will save a huge headache when it's the day before a final and your child can't find their review packet.
Finals is a stressful, but necessary time in every student's educational career. Work hard to help your student develop the skills they will need to make it through this time successfully. It will take a bit of work, but it will pay off in the long run.
------------------------------
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about her at www.AlanaMorales.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales for mom and ADHD tips. Do you have an ADHD/ADD educational issue you would like to see addressed? If so, please email me at info@mommyadd.com and I will try to feature it in a new column or on my blog at www.MommyADD.com.
Final exams pose a special problem for our kids. It asks them to recall information from the entire course of the semester, organize study materials and time efficiently and then do well on timed tests. Here are three tips to help your child through final exams.
1. Look at those accommodations. If your child is already on a 504 or IEP plan, look at what accommodations you have in place for testing. Even if your child hasn't needed them throughout the semester, you may want to consider making them take advantage of them during testing time.
If your student isn't already on an accommodation plan, talk with the individual teacher(s). Many will be more than willing to make adaptations to help your child, especially if you have been in contact with them and working with them all semester.
Some possible modifications are: smaller testing group, extended time, or a reader for test questions. Modifications can be as simple as a fidget toy or chewing gum during the exam.
If you ask for an accommodation to be made, please make sure you are being reasonable. The purpose of an accommodation is to level the playing field, not give your child an advantage.
2. Begin reviewing early. Once you know when finals are, sit down with your student to come up with a review plan, then help them to implement it. Make sure you pay attention to the subjects that need more time and review and plan accordingly.
Another way to help your child is to review with them. You can test them, either by asking them questions or helping them actively review. Help them make charts diagrams, graphs - anything that will help them conceptualize the concepts and ideas they need to remember.
3. Talk with the teacher. Once you have a game plan, make sure you have all the materials your child needs to review. If you are missing anything (or suspect you are) contact the teacher asap. Don't wait until the day before the final to ask about a concept your child is having trouble grasping - ask early.
If you are finding that your child needs extra help, email the teacher about tutoring. Many teachers hand out a review packet as well - make sure your child has one and if they are prone to losing things, ask the teacher for an extra. This will save a huge headache when it's the day before a final and your child can't find their review packet.
Finals is a stressful, but necessary time in every student's educational career. Work hard to help your student develop the skills they will need to make it through this time successfully. It will take a bit of work, but it will pay off in the long run.
------------------------------
Alana Morales is the author of Domestically Challenged: A Working Mom’s Survival Guide to Becoming a Stay at Home Mom. You can learn more about her at www.AlanaMorales.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/alanamorales for mom and ADHD tips. Do you have an ADHD/ADD educational issue you would like to see addressed? If so, please email me at info@mommyadd.com and I will try to feature it in a new column or on my blog at www.MommyADD.com.
*People are always telling you what to do, but what's right for them may not be right for you.
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Posted by: Nike Jordan | 01/16/2011 at 11:34 PM
The purpose of an accommodation is to level the playing field, not give your child an advantage.
Posted by: ClubPenguinCheats | 04/08/2011 at 04:31 AM