Emotional/Behavioral Disorders
 
Characteristic Behaviors
Hitting, fighting, throwing, temper tantrums, teasing, uncooperative, resistive, quarrelsome, irresponsible, acting defiant, disobedient, being irritable, overactive, difficult to get along with, inconsiderate, jealous, distractible, inattentive,
low self-esteem, sad, loneliness

Causes of the Disorder
There are two factors that contribute to emotional and behavioral disorders, heredity and environment.  Some students are genetically inclined to have this disorder.  Others experience family violence at home.  Those who do, are likely to exhibit violence in the classroom.

Treatment
Students who are diagnosed with emotional or behavioral disorders are treated with three types of medicines:  stimulants, antidepressants, and antipsychotics.  Stimulants have side effects of loss of appetite, insomnia, growth retardation, muscle tics, depression, and nervousness.  Antidepressants cause nausea, dry mouth, and seizures.  Antipsychotics (tranquilizers) increase appetite, weight gain, enuresis, and motor difficulties.

Tips for the Teacher
¨ Have a well-organized classroom-accessible materials.
¨ Classroom is uncluttered, clean, attractive, and uncrowded.
¨ Ask yourself, does each student have his/her own physical space, desk, and materials?
¨ Elect a classroom committee (rotation) that meet weekly to “assess” the classroom.
¨ Build students trust by always going through what you say you’re going to do.
¨ Guide the students and be a model for them.
¨ Do not carry preconceived assumptions/expectations for these “labeled” kids.
¨ Keep a journal of students’ behaviors-date and time.

*Remember that disliking the students’ behavior is not the same as disliking the student.
 
 

 
Resources

Books
Vaughn, Sharon.  Teaching:  Mainstreamed, Diverse, and At-Risk Students in the General Education Classroom.  Allyn & Bacon:  MA, 1997.

Zionts, Paul.  Teaching Disturbed and Disturbing Students:  An Integrative Approach.  Sec. Ed.  Pro-ed:  TX, 1996.

Internet
http://www.awesomelibrary.org/Library/Special_Education/Special_Education.html special ed sites

http://www.kidsource.com/kidsource/pages/Education.html

http://www.hood.edu/seri/serihome.htm Special Education Resources on the Internet
 
 

Reflection about Presentation

     On March 19, 2001 I was part of a group who was responsible for performing a presentation on behavioral disorders among young students.  We presented the information to fellow prospective teachers, who already had some background knowledge about the disorders.  Our presentation included characteristic behaviors of Autism, ADD/ADHD, and Emotional Behavior Disorders, causes, treatments, and ways of dealing with their behaviors in the classroom.  During the lecture, we allowed the audience to discuss their previous knowledge and then continued describing the information that had not been mentioned.  After the lecture part of the presentation, we created a game of Jeopardy to review some of the ideas previously covered and to introduce new ideas.  I assessed the prospective teachers by listening to their answers while playing Jeopardy.   I listened for comments made towards previous ideas explained during the lecture.
     One of the major goals of this assignment was to practice developing and planning a lesson plan that filled the time slot of an hour and 30 minutes.  We were to work with our group to design a presentation that our colleagues would enjoy.  I feel that my group and I worked well together to incorporate the information for each disorder we chose to inquire about.  We met several times to inform one another of the work that had been done and needed to be done.  Each of us shared a certain amount of lecture time and then worked together during the game of Jeopardy.  During my assessment of the class, I felt that most of the prospective teachers gained valuable information regarding students with behavior disorders.  I hope that they implement the classroom tasks we presented.
     Spring break occurred the week before our presentation.  Our presentation was due the morning we returned.  Therefore, we had not met during the whole week.  I feel that this created some miscommunication between us, yet the presentation overall, went well.  I also did not feel as prepared as I could have been simply because I did not prioritize time specifically to look over my notes.  We also over planned the period.  We had a follow-up game of Concentration.  This was to review the material that had been covered and really assess the audience’s comprehension.  We had to make the decision not to play the game.
     I would definitely set time to meet the day before or right before the presentation.  Just because it’s easier to do it that way when you are working with several partners.    This would keep the lines of communication open for all parties concerned.  Lectures are difficult for me as a teacher because I get vibes from my listeners that I am boring.  Next time, I would definitely try to stay away from the lectures.
     I have learned how difficult it can be to plan a presentation for an hour and a half time slot with three group members.  It is difficult to agree on the way a presentation should flow.  Deciding what is going to happen when was a difficult task.  I have also learned that it is possible to “wing it” during a lecture/presentation.  For example, we chose not to play the game of Concentration.  As a teacher, you can never know exactly how your students/audience is going to react to your presentation.  Therefore, you must be prepared for most, if not all, situations that may arise.  I also learned that over planning is good so that if things go faster than planned, you will have other things on hand to use.
     I know that I am the type of person who gets very nervous in front of a group of people.  It is important for me to think about what I am going to say, present, and explain before I attempt to stand.  I also need to have lots of background knowledge about the subject so that I can answer any questions that might arise.  I realize that I need more practice with lecturing, but more so, how to stay away from lectures.  I need to use more visuals and manipulatives.  So the key is, BE PREPARED!