Tools to Help Children Better Understand Learning and Behavioral Disorders

Brain Balance Center Danvers MA. Helping kids reach their goals.

According to a 2008 study that was published in the journal Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology, children with ADHD symptoms are almost 10 times as likely as others to be regular targets of bullying that occurring in school. 

With October being National ADHD Awareness Month, National Dyslexia Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month, Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Danvers is stressing the importance of 'walking in the shoes' of a child with a learning and behavioral disorder.

To help children better understand learning and behavioral disorders and reduce the amount of bullying experienced during the school year, it is important that educators and parents have the right tools to talk with their children about these challenges and what it feels like to struggle with learning.  These empathy activities serve as practical strategies that will promote both understanding and empathy in local communities.

The following are a few examples of empathy activities Brain Balance Achievement Centers of Danvers recommends that educators and parents can implement:

1)  The Messy and Distracted Locker or Closet:  Children with ADHD tend to be disorganized and often lose or forget their belongings.  For teachers conducting an in-school empathy activity, they can pack a locker full of things (papers, various books, pencils, etc.) and provide the children with a list of items to find.  To distract the children, the teacher can consistently ask questions. After the activity is complete the teacher can ask questions to help the students understand how it feels to have ADHD.  This same activity can be conducted by parents at home using a cabinet or closer. 

2)  Through the Eyes of a Dyslexic Child:  Educators and parents can show children a written sentence in which the letters in the words are flipped around.  Showing a sentence to them this way is how a dyslexic child usually views a written sentence.  Have the children attempt to read the sentence and then show them how it actually reads to demonstrate the challenge that dyslexic children face.

3)  Listen with Your Eyes, Watch with Your Ears:  Educators and parents can show children three separate movie clips at the same time with equal levels of volume.  After a few minutes, ask  three questions that pertain to the clips and ask them the same three questions as the first activity.  

Call Dr. Janine Crifasi
Executive Director
Brain Balance Achievement Center

Call today 978-705-9570

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Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
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Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
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Kids will enjoy this treasure hunt at the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry in Rockport Massachusetts
Enjoy an outdoor treasure hunt at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations during February Vacation! Halibut Point State Park invites kids and families to follow clues then unscramble to find a treasure box!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

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Kids will learn about the winter survival skills of animals at the Stevens Coolidge Place in North Andover Massachusetts!
Have you ever wondered what happens in nature during the winter months? Do you have questions like, “where do certain animals go” or “why does it snow”? Join us this February school vacation for this self-guided winter themed family-friendly bundle for use along the Stevens-to-Stevens trail in...
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Bradley Palmer State Park has some great acitivities for kids during February vacation week in Massachusetts
Bradley Palmer State Park is located at 40 Asbury St. in Topsfield. All programs are free and open to the public. Reasonable accommodations upon request. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult. Events outside may include rough, uneven trails that contain ice and snow, warm clothing and...
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Tuesday, February 18

Bruins Pajama Drive

Drop off new pajama donations at libraries across the North Shore as part of the Boston Bruins PJ Drive.
From February 1 through March 15, Cradles to Crayons®, the Boston Bruins, Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, and Wonderfund are coming together with organizations in your community to collect new pajamas for local children living in low-income and homeless situations. Together, we are...
7:00 am to 9:00 pm

Babson Farm Quarry Self-guided Walking Tour at Halibut Point

Kids will enjoy this tour of the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry with a focus on its stone-cutting history!
Take a self guided tour at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Quarry Quest Treasure Hunt

Kids will enjoy this treasure hunt at the Halibut Point State Park and Quarry in Rockport Massachusetts
Enjoy an outdoor treasure hunt at one of Massachusetts most beautiful locations during February Vacation! Halibut Point State Park invites kids and families to follow clues then unscramble to find a treasure box!
7:00 am to 6:00 pm

Hike & Seek: Magic in the Winter Forest

Kids will learn about the winter survival skills of animals at the Stevens Coolidge Place in North Andover Massachusetts!
Have you ever wondered what happens in nature during the winter months? Do you have questions like, “where do certain animals go” or “why does it snow”? Join us this February school vacation for this self-guided winter themed family-friendly bundle for use along the Stevens-to-Stevens trail in...
9:00 am to 5:00 pm