Double Journal Entry #4

"A Fine Line Between ADHD and Kinesthetic Learners"
by: Ricki Linksman, M. Ed.

     "Increasing numbers of youngsters are routinely placed on ”trials” of Ritalin, without first ruling out other factors that could be causing apparent ADHD symptoms. A kinesthetic learner may not need medication so much as innovative teaching methods" (Linksman, para 2).

     Within her article, Ricki Linksman addresses the fact that a large number of students are now being labeled as "misbehaved" or falsely diagnosed with some form of learning disability such as ADHD. Why is that? Some could blame it on certain hormones in foods or make up some other lame excuse. Ricki Linksman however, believes that it is simply a fact that teachers do not know how to accommodate kinesthetic learners into their classrooms. A formal classroom is one where the students sit still, listen to instructions being given, and then complete his/her assigned activity quietly. This is almost an impossible task for a kinesthetic learner. Linksman supports this fact by saying, "Kinesthetic learners require body movement and action for optimal results: they need to move around, use their muscles, explore...If they can’t engage in these activities, they will at least begin to move while in their seats: wiggling their legs, leaning back in their chairs, rocking, or tapping their pencils. When these actions are also not acceptable, they may resort to misbehavior as part of a psychological need to move" (Linksman, para 4). This notion sparks the question, how many children have been falsely diagnosed and put on medicine because they learn in a more interactive manner? I believe that this course of medicating children, because they cannot be handled, proves the lazy attitudes and dispositions of our modern educators. Instead of modifying lesson plans and activities to support these children, we label them as being dysfunctional or hard to manage. It is naturally understood that every child learns in a different manner. I think it's about time that we fully realize and support this fact. Teachers have the responsibility to create new and innovative ways to instruct children...of all types and with all different styles of learning. Instead of labeling a child or children for the rest of his/her lives it is time to embrace them and open up to new teaching methods...diversify the classroom curriculum.

This cartoon was my satirical element to my post.

Man pumping 'Ritlain' into a Child Behaviour Clinic,

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