Make More Effective Use of Praise
Back in 2002, I wrote up some simple pointers for educators and parents in “Hone Your Skills When Using Reinforcers and Reprimands,” an article you can find in the Behavior section of this site. Over a decade later, new research suggests that it is time to refine or tweak that advice. It seems that praising the child instead of the behavior may actually backfire for students with low self-esteem. You can read more about the new research and its implications for us in the Behavior section, here.
Recess is Crucial
A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “The Crucial Role of Recess in Schools,” stresses the importance of recess in physical, social, and cognitive development and performance. According to the AAP, recess should not be withheld as punishment or sacrificed to academic instruction: Recess is at the heart of a vigorous debate over the role of schools in promoting the optimal development of the whole child. A growing trend toward reallocating time in school to accentuate the more academic subjects has put this important facet of a child’s school day at risk. Recess serves as a necessary break from ...
Welcome
Navigating this SiteUse the navigation bar at the top of each page to get to the main menu for each section of the web site. Clicking on “Disorders” will take you to a menu of disorders discussed on this site. From there, click on the name of the disorder to get to a listing of all files and articles on that topic. Click on “Behavior” to get to a listing of the many files and articles dealing with... (more...)
Of Note
Teaching middle and high school students about Tourette SyndromeGreenhaven Press publishes a series of books for students called Perspectives On Diseases & Disorders. They recently published a volume on Tourette Syndrome: This volume includes an overview of tourette syndrome, including diagnosis; symptoms; and treatment, a look at controversies surrounding tourette syndrome, focusing on effectiveness of various treatment including diet, environmental factors,... (more...)
News & Updates
Make More Effective Use of PraiseBack in 2002, I wrote up some simple pointers for educators and parents in “Hone Your Skills When Using Reinforcers and Reprimands,” an article you can find in the Behavior section of this site. Over a decade later, new research suggests that it is time to refine or tweak that advice. It seems that praising the child instead of the behavior may actually backfire for students with low self-esteem. You can read more about the new research and its implications for us in the Behavior section,... (more...)
Talking with children about the Sandy Hook school shootingYesterday’s tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut are all over the news. At times like this, parents often ask how they can help their children cope and how to talk to them about something that we can’t fully wrap our own heads around. So here are some tips you can share with parents as to how they can talk to their children. 1. Start the conversation. If you don’t start the conversation, their first source of information may frighten them more. Start by asking them... (more...)
Don’t Forget Added Safety Measures in the Student’s PlanNew research confirms what I’ve been saying for years: students with ADHD are twice as likely to be injured as their non-ADHD peers and they are likely to experience more serious injuries. So where in your student’s 504 Plan or IEP has the school team addressed any safety concerns? See the article on this site on ADHD and safety, if you haven’t read it already. Read More →
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