What I Wish My Teachers Knew When I Was in School
I just saw a Facebook post from a parent of a kid I know has ADHD. It is his first day of school, and I find myself hoping he has a good school year. This is because I had a lot of not good school years. Were any of my school years complete disasters? No, but there are things that I definitely wish could have gone differently. I thought I would write a list of things I wish my teachers knew back in the day. Hopefully, it inspires some teachers to treat their students differently and inspires some students and parents to advocate for their students.
Your Words and Actions Will Be Remembered
I will always remember that I was sick the day we learned our 8 times table. Our assistant teacher was a choir teacher by trade, and she set our times tables to song. To this day, I can remember my 6 and 9 times tables in song. However, I don’t remember my 8 times table because I was sick the day she taught us the song. I remember this because we would occasionally sing those songs as a way to study them. One day, the class was singing through the 8 times table, and I was not able to sing along. My teacher singled me out for not singing along. I felt humiliated that I was behind. There was nothing I could do, though, because my teacher did nothing to help me get caught up.
There were other times I was singled out, and I remember them all. Teachers may see their ADHD students as forgetful, but when the memory is tied to a negative emotion, it is quite sticky. We remember those times we were humiliated, especially by those in a position of power who are supposed to be there to help us.
I Was Trying
One of the most frequent comments I got on my report cards was that I needed to try harder. I am willing to bet there are other ADHD students who get similar comments. I wish my teachers knew that I was trying. I did not want to underachieve. I was not unmotivated. I sincerely wanted to get good grades. However, I was motivated to avoid criticism. I did not want to get in trouble. Could the pressure to perform have caused me to underachieve? It is possible.
It’s Hard to Sit in Class All Day
I may have the inattentive type of ADHD, but it is still hard for me to sit still. Even as an adult, I frequently adjust my position while sitting for long periods of time. I get restless when a meal takes a long time. I want to get up and move. One of the best things one of my high school teachers did was “stand up and stretch breaks.” He would randomly go, “Okay, stand up and stretch break!” At the time, I had no idea this was actually useful for me, but in hindsight, I love this idea. It felt good to stop sitting in an uncomfortable chair and move around for a bit. I think more teachers should institute this.
I Have ADHD
I was not diagnosed with ADHD until I was 20. There were two decades of missed signs. I feel like, if my teachers had known I have ADHD, things would have been different. I could have gotten better grades and done more. I could have gotten support. However, it was missed.
ADHD Is More Than Just the Stereotypes
When people think of ADHD, they think of hyperactive young boys who can’t sit still and yell, “SQUIRREL!” every time they see a squirrel. The fact is it is more than that. I don’t point out squirrels every time I see one. (Although, I have pointed out every dog I see on vacation.) Women and girls get ADHD as well. One of the main reasons I was not diagnosed as a child is that I have the inattentive type of ADHD which features more interior symptoms. (SIDE NOTE: The Inattentive ADHD Coalition has a wonderful screening tool for inattentive ADHD.) There is a lot more to ADHD than what you have been led to believe.
Teacher Training on ADHD Is Inadequate
ADHD is incredibly complex. It cannot be adequately addressed in a short amount of time. It takes a long time to understand it and truly “get it.” I want teachers to know more about ADHD, and I am willing to go into schools and present on ADHD. So, if you are looking for a speaker for your teachers’ meeting, contact me.