Last week, on day 1 of the new term I had a delightful conversation with one of my pupils. After a disruptive session the conversation went a little like this:
Jonathan: Were you in control of your behaviour just then?
Pupil: Yes of course.
Jonathan: So if you wanted to stop being disruptive at that moment, could you?
Pupil: Yeah, suppose.
Jonathan: So why didn't you?
Pupil: Well, it's a bit like this, y'see, I think I'm just a little bit excited - it being the first day back and stuff.
This is clearly someone who is very aware of his behaviour and the impact it has, but perhaps someone who maybe can't hold back. I had a one-to-one chat with him about the strategies he has for coping with ADHD earlier this week. He had very few to offer, so I asked if he knew of anyone else who also has the condition. He replied, 'Michael Phelps'.
After a bit of research on the Internet we found that Michael Phelps had been diagnosed with ADHD as a young boy and at the age of seven, started swimming as an outlet for his energy.
This conversation hit home and together we are now exploring a list of activities that he could use to help him find a way in which to release pent up energy.
Could this boy reflect upon his own needs and 'Go for Gold' in his own and unique way?
