Tools to Help Children Better Understand Learning and Behavioral Disorders

Brain Balance Center Danvers MA. Helping kids reach their goals.

According to a 2008 study that was published in the journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, children with ADHD symptoms are almost 10 times as likely as others to be regular targets of bullying that occurring in school. 

With October being National ADHD Awareness Month, National Dyslexia Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month, Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Danvers is stressing the importance of 'walking in the shoes' of a child with a learning and behavioral disorder.

To help children better understand learning and behavioral disorders and reduce the amount of bullying experienced during the school year, it is important that educators and parents have the right tools to talk with their children about these challenges and what it feels like to struggle with learning.  These empathy activities serve as practical strategies that will promote both understanding and empathy in local communities.

The following are a few examples of empathy activities Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Danvers recommends that educators and parents can implement:

1)  The Messy and Distracted Locker or Closet:  Children with ADHD tend to be disorganized and often lose or forget their belongings.  For teachers conducting an in-school empathy activity, they can pack a locker full of things (papers, various books, pencils, etc.) and provide the children with a list of items to find.  To distract the children, the teacher can consistently ask questions. After the activity is complete the teacher can ask questions to help the students understand how it feels to have ADHD.  This same activity can be conducted by parents at home using a cabinet or closer. 

2)  Through the Eyes of a Dyslexic Child:  Educators and parents can show children a written sentence in which the letters in the words are flipped around.  Showing a sentence to them this way is how a dyslexic child usually views a written sentence.  Have the children attempt to read the sentence and then show them how it actually reads to demonstrate the challenge that dyslexic children face.

3)  Listen with Your Eyes, Watch with Your Ears:  Educators and parents can show children three separate movie clips at the same time with equal levels of volume.  After a few minutes, ask  three questions that pertain to the clips and ask them the same three questions as the first activity.  

Call Dr. Janine Crifasi
Executive Director
Brain Balance Achievement Center

Call today 978-705-9570

Brookwood School Summer Program for kids Pre-K through 9 in Manchester Massachusetts

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Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
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Cape Ann Art Haven has a week full of fun activities planned for kids during April Vacation week. There are programs for kids k-5th grade that will appeal to many styles of artistic expression with morning classes from 9am to Noon or 9am to 3pm. Scholarships are available. Open to elementary...
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Swan Boat Boston North Shore Parent, North Shore Parents Summer Activities Guide
The Public Garden may be one of the most ideal picnicking locations in Boston. Well-groomed and overflowing with tulips, cherry-trees, with willows cascading over the duck pond, the Boston Public Garden is a great place to relax during Boston's most beautiful season.
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Kids will have a blast at the MIT Museum in Cambridge Massachusetts during April Vacation Week!
Come on your own, with friends, or bring the whole family to the museum for a special week of programming. The museum has a number of activities and pop-up surprises planned for the week of April 17-23. See our week-at-glance calendar to view the extended hours and additions for our drop-in...
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All are invited to April Vacation Week for free activities exploring connections between the people, places, and art made in Massachusetts. All ages and abilities are welcome; children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration required. See Visiting with Kids and Family for more information.
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This April Vacation, young visitors are invited to discover the art and history of Cape Ann at the CAM Green!  Explore the newest exhibition, Breath of Life – C.B. Fisk, Designers & Builders of Pipe Organs to learn about these incredible instruments. View intricate models of the architectural...
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Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
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