Interactive SS lesson and ADHD Student

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

Hi,

I am a student teacher and I’m putting together a 5th grade social studies lesson plan using a version of Jane Elliott’s brown eyes / blue eyes exercise to help the students gain insight into the relationship between American colonists and Native Americans. What would be the best way to manage this activity with a ADHD student in the class. I have not had much experience working with ADHD children, however, I do know that transitions and change can be a challenge.

Thanks for your suggestions.

Terrie :?

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/16/2004 - 4:30 PM

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HOW do you plan to present the lesson? I ask because I was included in a lesson based on this in 6th grade (1971 mind you!) and it was NOT something I would recommend for most ADHD types, if presented the same way — it had NASTY social repercussions and caused alot of pain for one girl who was the ‘target’ - a popular but very nice person. I don’t think the lessons we learned inadvertantly were worth the outcome…but perhaps your presentation is totally different.
thanks!

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 09/16/2004 - 4:40 PM

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There is a movie called Blue Eyes that tells the story of this exercise. Maybe you could use it to jump start a conversation as opposed to doing the exercise.

Beth

Submitted by Terrie on Sun, 09/19/2004 - 1:46 AM

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Thanks Beth. I’ve seen the movie and hoped to modify it to suite the unit. I think if it is done properly it can be a meaningful experience, but I’m worried about transitions.

Terrie

Submitted by Terrie on Sun, 09/19/2004 - 1:49 AM

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[quote=”Elizabeth TO”]HOW do you plan to present the lesson? I ask because I was included in a lesson based on this in 6th grade (1971 mind you!) and it was NOT something I would recommend for most ADHD types, if presented the same way — it had NASTY social repercussions and caused alot of pain for one girl who was the ‘target’ - a popular but very nice person. I don’t think the lessons we learned inadvertantly were worth the outcome…but perhaps your presentation is totally different.
thanks![/quote]

I appreciate your input. I do plan on making a lot of changes from the original project and I am very sensitive to the individual student personalities. I don’t think anyone needs to be a ‘target’, but I can see how some students might perceive the lesson in that way. I’ll give it some more thought.

Terrie

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