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ADD/ADHD Success in the Classroom
Since Joseph was doing grade-level work, I struggled over the decision to recommend transferring him to another school. I didn't want to separate him from his peer group or his neighborhood buddies, but Joseph's parents were adamant about his changing schools. When they found a mainstream private school, with smaller classes and more hands-on learning and active participation, they jumped at the chance to have Joseph start fifth grade with a clean slate.
"We love our neighborhood school, but Joseph is smart, and the school wouldn't consider putting him in the gifted and talented program because he doesn't follow directions, has bad handwriting, and sometimes can't find his stuff," said his parents, debating whether Joseph should remain in his old school. "He's better than he was last year, but the teachers talk to each other, and we think he was targeted as a busybody. They were too frustrated, it seemed, to help him."
The transition made a big difference for Joseph, because his parents, his teachers, and he understood his strengths and weaknesses. Joseph did well at his new school, and he made new friends. He maintained old friendships by staying involved in activities, like a weekly dinner at a local pizza shop and playing baseball in the Saturday league.
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