Thank you, Barbara! I'm an assistant teacher and have been trying very hard to redirect a preschooler who exhibits behavior that looks like ODD but has not been diagnosed officially. The child has used some materials that incorporate Trace the Tornado activity, but I haven't observed to assess if it calms him down. The Head Teacher does yoga with him, and he has requested that with me. However, I don't know the poses the HT has taught him, so I didn't want to deviate from that unless I know he is comfortable with change. I will share the link of the motor activities with the HT that you have provided.
Do you have any suggestions on stopping inappropriate language from a child that might have sensory processing issues? The same child I described above has begun saying, "Shut up," to respond to classmates and teachers when he wants to stop conversations and dislikes. Other children have started to imitate him. In the beginning, I ignored it. Then, I tried to ask him why he says it, and he responded with "Shut up." I recently tried to replace "shut" with other words and more appropriate words to express his anger or anxiety, but it hasn't worked. Some were downright silly to get him to laugh.
I have spoken with the HT, and we may read some picture books about anger, such as When Sophie Gets Angry, Really Really Angry by Molly Bang. Do you have any other suggestions for books about anger for preschoolers?
Additionally, when the child asked when it was time to go home, I would tell him what is next and name the schedule. That seems to help calm down his anxiety. He knows the class schedule. We have been in school for 6 weeks, but when he feels out of sorts, I think, maybe, that's when he needs to hear or see a schedule. I have thought about creating a visual schedule for an ESL student who understands English but whose first language is not English. I have to talk with my HT, whose training and educational philosophy differs from the play-based curriculum.
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Ling Lee
Evanston IL
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Original Message:
Sent: 10-09-2020 10:04 AM
From: Barbara Laughlin
Subject: Oppositional Defiant Disordsr
We take some of our kiddos out of the room before triggering transitions and specific times of the day for "body breaks". We have the attached sensory walk activities posted down the hallway. It's a positive experience for them and the children seem to really enjoy this time. Some are now able to tell us when they need a body break. I hope it helps a little!
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Barbara Laughlin
Portage Private Industy Council
Ravenna OH
Original Message:
Sent: 10-08-2020 02:23 AM
From: Mary Kay Scanlon
Subject: Oppositional Defiant Disordsr
We have a 4.5 year old who was recently diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder and ADHD. We are looking for any strategies or tips or success stories you all have to help him have a successful year.
TIA!!
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Mary Kay Scanlon
Program Director
Holy Trinity Early Educaqtion Center
Lenexa, KS
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