Is my Child ready for Prep – Hyperactivity?
If your pre-school child has a pre-diagnosed ADHD condition; an attention deficit disorder demonstrating hyperactivity, you may wonder when he or she will be ready for prep. The issue children have with hyperactivity within a school environment, is a difficulty in paying attention and the ability to stay still. The great news is that there are great services and educational resources available to Brisbane parents concerned about their child going into prep.
How could hyperactivity affect my child in prep?
When a child with diagnosed ADHD approaches the age when he or she should begin prep year at school, difficulties in concentrating can lead to impulsive decisions in the classroom. Children with hyperactivity in the classroom have a tendency to interrupt conversations, get up and walk around when they shouldn’t, or express difficulty in participating in quiet desk work. Such hyperactive classroom behaviour, although not the fault of the child or anyone else, can be portrayed as “naughty”, which therefore puts a strain on forming relationships with peers.
Without paying too much emphasis on the negative side to a hyperactive child starting school, let’s not forget that many children successfully enter prep with favourable outcomes both within the classroom, in the playground and beyond. Children that demonstrate a hyperactive nature, tend to show tremendous enthusiasm, energy, creativity and imagination in their schooling years, which can undoubtedly lead to high achievements.
Is your child’s hyperactivity related to Autism? There are some excellent educational resources for parents of kids with autism.
What can be done to assist my hyperactive child approaching prep?
Assuming your child’s diagnosis has gone through the appropriate channels, you may be consulting with a pediatrician and physiologist to assist with your child’s behaviour. Perhaps your child’s behavioural condition is medicated, or medication has been discussed for the future. It is important to go with the advice of your child’s health professional to determine whether your child is school-ready, and not whether your child has hit the right age for prep.
When it is determined that your hyperactivity child is ready for prep, meet with your school of choice well in advance of prep registration. Discuss your child’s situation with the school principal, and find out what measures are in place in the classroom to assist with ADHD. What sort of learning environments are put in place for preps at your child’s school? Is there any flexibility with classroom teachings for those children that may find it hard to sit still?
Experienced teachers will understand the needs that some hyperactive children may require, and therefore implement appropriate methods to get the attention of such individuals. Ask your child’s school what sort of learning styles are delivered and how your child’s behaviour can be dealt with in the school’s teaching environment.
Support and educational resources for parents
Going forward, if you can establish a relationship with your child’s teacher in advance of prep year, you are already showing the school that you are aware of potential challenges that may lie ahead, and will therefore be receptive to suggestion which may help with your child’s hyperactivity. The Queensland Government Health website has plenty of information for parents and links to educational resources and medical support.