Scheduling

Why should you have a schedule?

    Have you ever found yourself doing the same thing each day, as if you were on auto-pilot? Do you have to think about the directions to the local grocery store? Or what about the steps you take when you shower? I would say it is safe to bet you have automated things in your life and no longer have to think about the steps on how to complete them. In many ways, scheduling is the same thing. Creating a pattern and repeating it so often that it becomes automatic.

    One of the most common questions I receive is, "How do you manage to get all that done?" and the best answer that I can give anyone is, "I schedule it." I have seen time and time again both at home and at school how a schedule can greatly help both myself, as a neurodivergent teacher, but also my kids, and my students. When you know what to expect, and make it a consistent routine, it becomes second nature. 

    In college we learned that making routines in the classroom for doing the mundane things, like where to turn in your work, how to appropriately ask a question, how to line up for lunch, are all essential to making a classroom run smoothly. A full schedule is exactly the same thing, but it is for the whole class, not just certain steps. Below is an outline for a 45 minute class that I have used with great success, in a middle school classroom.

~ First 7 mins - Students enter, collect assignment/journal from the work table, sit and begin bellwork. Teacher monitors and takes attendance (or I might forget).

~ 3 mins - Go over Bellwork - answer any questions

~ 15 mins - Lecture/explain assignment

~ 10 - 15 mins - Independent work - Teacher monitor, answer questions, do small groups

~ Last 5 - 10 mins - Exit Ticket and Turn in assignments and pack up

This is obviously not the ONLY way to have a schedule, however, it gives you an idea. But making sure you have routines in place for every thing that occurs in a class on a day to day basis is essential. It helps the kids and it can help YOU.

    I even schedule everything at home. I have a morning routine to get out the door. A schedule of how I prepare for class each day, a schedule for when I leave work each day, what I do when I first get home, up until the time the kids are in bed. After that I still schedule myself time for work things, time for relaxation, and time for hobbies. It does not always come easy, it doesn't always happen 'on time' (you could ask friends about my sleep schedule, but that is a different post), but you plan as much as you can and stick to it, it does make things a lot easier once they become ingrained in your mind.

I do re-work my schedule from time to time as life changes and my needs change, but a schedule is important, even when you are on summer break. Without which I may even forget to eat! Which reminds me - I should probably make a new schedule for the rest of the Summer...

- Chris

Where Do I Start?

     My journey to discovering my neurodivergency, specifically ADHD, started with the diagnosis of my two children. One diagnosed combined type, the other diagnosed inattentive type (formerly known as ADD, a term no longer used as a diagnosis), I researched everywhere I could for any information on how I could be a better, more educated and supportive parent to them. How I could help them be the best thems they could be, and have the easiest time dealing with this new explanation put in front of them? As my research went on, a lot of the information I found seemed to be very applicable to me, as well as them. Could I have ADHD? In helping them along their path, my path started. As I added adult ADHD to my research, I realized very quickly that my knowledge of ADHD was very limited, especially when it came to how ADHD presents in AFAB (assigned female at birth) people. A trip to the doctor later, I had my diagnosis as well. Two kids with ADHD, Mom with ADHD, and an entire plethora of other kids who have, or could have, ADHD. Only two are mine, but I’m also a middle school teacher, so there are more, so many more. 

The more I researched, the more I learned. About me, about my kids, and about my students. I was able to provide tools to my son to help him beyond planners, and exercise (not that these are not valid options, but they don't work for everyone). Things like using a smartwatch to help make reminders on the spot, including medication reminders, a struggle for many with ADHD. I have taught him everything I learned along the way, so he can be more knowledgeable about ADHD. How it doesn’t make him any less intelligent than his peers, how he can use it to his advantage in some cases, and above all, that he can speak freely about it because there is no shame in having ADHD, or any other disability. I also taught him about advocating for himself and his needs, and reminding his teachers of accommodations in an appropriate way. I was able to get myself to the point where I understood that he needed to take ownership of his own education. I did my best to supply him with the necessary tools, and that allowed me to step back and let him learn how to speak up for himself and function best in the world he has to exist in. The fact he was in middle school, and I taught middle school, I was able to combine his experience, with my research and knowledge, and apply them to my own classroom as well. I was also able to adapt them for my younger son. It has been one stone that has continued to cause ripples throughout the ocean of possibilities.

Shortly after discovering my ADHD, more discoveries were made: Anxiety, OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder), and cPTSD (complex post-traumatic stress disorder). These new discoveries came with, unlocked or revived past traumas as well, and of course they came served with several side dishes such as RSD (rejection sensitivity dysphoria), IS (imposter syndrome), Emotional Dysregulation, and difficulty in social and work situations. Since I received my diagnosis, along with some very helpful medication, managing “all the things”  has become quite a bit easier. I am still learning, probably always will be, but I finally have a name to go with my feelings and explanation to all those struggles that I have had since I was young. I also know that I am not alone.

  With help from a bunch of people, including a community of like minded neurodivergents, I am now a much better version of myself. My brain can focus, I am more confident, less stressed, and I am also able to help others. It is a work in progress, as am I, but I am getting there. 

-Chris