| Greetings!
The days are shorter and the evenings inside much longer. So what's a parent to do with kiddos full of energy? Especially those with ADHD? Following is a list of ideas to keep your young ones active during these next few months as well as some information and resources for ADHD.
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Free Training Workshops on IEPs
| We want to remind parents, educators, service providers, teachers and others interested about the free IEP Training Workshops sponsored by Major County Sooner SUCCESS and Knowledge Tree, LLC. The workshops are conducted by the Oklahoma Partners Center.
Section 504/Communication
Tonight! November 18
6:30pm-8:30pm
Please note the Behavior workshop has changed from December 2 to December 1.
To register for the workshops, please contact Denice Haworth, Major County Coordinator for Sooner SUCCESS, at 580 227-0199 or deehaworth@yahoo.com. For more information, visit www.knowledgetreellc.com and click on Free IEP Workshops.
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What is ADD/ADHD? and its affect on Work
| Are you unsure of the definition of ADD/ADHD? Depending on who you ask, many use the term ADHD as an all encompassing umbrella to include ADD. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a "disruptive behavior disorder" characterized by inattention, hyperactivity or their combination. In those with ADD, the frontal cortex (surface) of the brain has more difficulty using glucose and less blood flow than in people without ADD. The frontal cortex inhibits impulses, initiates behavior, and controls working memory.
Symptoms/Characteristics
Hyperactivity includes:
■ Overactivity
■ Fidgeting most of the time
■ Squirming in their seat
■ Purposeless or non-goal directed activity
■ Goes from one activity to another without completing activities
Distractibility includes:
■ Very distractible
■ Does not complete tasks
■ Lacks selective attention
■ Unable to concentrate (unless fascinated by a subject)
■ Tendency to daydream
Impulsivity includes:
■ Demands must be met immediately
■ Needs immediate reward for achievement
■ Poor planners
■ Lack of organizational skills
■ Lack of self-control
■ Does things without thinking of consequences
Most of us have heard how much of an imposition ADHD can have on a child's education, but what about work? In an article from LearningRx, the Tanya Mitchell explains the different types of attention and how it effects the workplace. LearningRx is the franchise system of the PACE/MTC program offered by Knowledge Tree, LLC. Aout 90% of the program materials offered by LearningRx are the same as the ones offered in our office. Read the article by clicking here. On the page you will also find many links to other articles about ADD/ADHD
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Diagnosis and Treatment
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A professional cognitive skills test can pinpoint the exact cause of learning problems. In people with ADD/ADHD, the weakest cognitive skills are attention (divided, sustained and/or selective), although other areas may suffer as well.
■ Ritalin and other stimulant medications can treat the symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
■ Classroom accommodations, such as allowing the child to test alone in a private room, can sometimes help the student focus and prevent class disruptions.
■ You might also be able to reduce the frequency or severity of problems by limiting the intake of foods containing non-organic dyes, which have been linked to hyperactivity.
■ Cognitive skills training attacks the root causes of ADD/ADHD by strengthening weak cognitive skills. (In the case of ADD/ADHD, selective, divided, and sustained attention.) Unlike tutoring, which focuses on specific academic subjects (like history), cognitive skills training treats the causes of learning struggles to help children, teens, and adults excel in school, sports, the workplace, and extracurricular activities (like music, art and dance).
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Keeping Kids Active in Winter
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Adventure Passport
Your connection to adventure and great prizes in Oklahoma
I wish I had found this website earlier in the year. The Oklahoma Department of Tourism has a fantastic give-away going on right now. Log on to http://agritourism.travelok.com and register for the Adventure Passport. Simply register, then take photos of your family on an agritourism adventure and upload a journal to be entered in monthly give aways and a grand prize at the end of the year.
There is an interactive map where you can choose the type of adventure you crave and it will list all of the locations in the state that are registered. There may be a way to see them on the map, but I haven't found them yet. I didn't realize there were 18 guest ranches in Oklahoma did you? There are even 48 Oklahoma registered locations where you can pick your own fruit or vegetables or cut down your own Christmas tree.
Local Things to Do
If you're looking for adventure close to Fairview, the Major County Historical Society is just east of town on State Highway 58 or the Sod House Museum north of Cleo Springs on State Highway 8. For the more adventurous, Gloss Mountain Outfitters and the Island Guest Ranch are dude ranches. Ames features the Astrobleme museum with video next to the war memorial and the Hajek Motor Sports Museum. In Fairview, the Royal Theater offers first run movies, the bowling alley and Lois B's Sports Grill are two of my family's favorite places to go, and to feed the caffeine addiction we offer the Tin Lion Coffee House on Main Street.
When the weather gets blustery, there is no need to stay in front of the couch! Having snowball fights and taking kids to swim in an indoor pool, play indoor team sports such as volleyball or take up individual pursuits like Taekwondo (offered in Fairview) will help them stay active. When you are doing your holiday shopping at the mall, take stairs instead of elevators or escalators. You can power-walk with your children instead of meandering along. But if you must be at home, check out our fun list of action packed Wii games to the right that are sure to keep the family entertained and up and moving.
Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy an active winter with your family. Take time for family game nights, family outings, and fun. These are times you will never get back so take time to make memories of adventure and fun.
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May your Thanksgiving be filled with many blessings, fun-filled family gatherings and remind you of the many wonderful people you are thankful to have as a part of your life.
Warm wishes,
Kristal Randall, MSEd, Brain Trainer/Owner
Tonya Randall, Brain Trainer/Owner
"Mrs. Gina" Harrison, Brain Trainer
Knowledge Tree, LLC
580.822.0105
2004 Commerce Street
Fairview, OK 73737
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FREE IEP Workshops!
Section 504/
Communication
November 18
6:30pm-8:30pm
Behavior
December 1
(DATE CHANGE)
6:30pm-8:30pm
Transition to Adult/ Community Partners
December 16
6:30pm-8:30pm
Workshops will be held at the Fairview Municipal Complex. To register, contact Denise Haworth, Major County Coordinator for Sooner SUCCESS, at 580 227-0199.
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Resources and Programs for ADD/ADHD
| | Attention Deficit
Information Network
addinfonetwork.com
Children and Adults
with Attention-Deficit/
Hyperactivity Disorder
chadd.org
Attention Deficit Disorder Association
add.org
Knowledge Tree, LLC
knowledgetreellc.com |
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Wii games
that let you have fun and break a sweat
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There are many physically active wii games in all different price ranges. Here are some ideas to help make your holidays active.
Active Life: Extreme Challenge Bundle with Mat
This is a more urban influenced game than its predecessor Outdoor Challenge. It requires balance and managing momentum in high speed sports such as in-line skating and kite surfing along with extreme-style street sports. It requires a flexible floor mat controller designed for one or two players.
Price: $23.67 Buy Now
EA Sports ActiveThis is a personal trainer program with exercises and sports challenges that keep you coming back for more. It is not as in-depth as the Jillian Michaels Fitness, and more game oriented than the Wii Fit. It has activities divided into separate categories that you can freely choose between. Most of the activities are aerobic. Price: $44.99 Buy Now
New Play Control! Mario Power TennisThis has the old-school Mario graphics. It's simple enough that if you swing the Wiimote, you will hit the ball -- so even young kids will get into it. And despite the relatively low skill level, this beefed-up tennis game a lot of fun. Price: $19.96 Buy Now
Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party
In this game, hyperactive rabbits get stuck in the TV and have to perform different tricks on different channels to get out. You even have to drive in one game with your rear. You get to do some disco dancing, too.
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