How do you handle an extremely hyperactive child?

I got an extremely hyperactive child. This child is exhausing. I have never had a kid like this and this child is likeable but I hate that this child takes up some much of my time and attention because I am not giving enough attention to my other kids.

How do you deal with this???

Message edited 9/5/2008 7:06:39 PM.

Re: How do you handle an extremely hyperactive child?

Message edited 10/24/2011 8:12:54 PM.

Re: How do you handle an extremely hyperactive child?

I had a kid once who was off the wall- he was extremely ADHD and was always on and off his meds. Also, he had just been taken into foster care and was angry at the world. It was really hard.

One thing that helped was having a points chart on his desk that literally broke the day into 5 or 10 minute increments. Every time he was on task, I would put a check in that spot. We would set goals for him, and he would earn things like extra computer time, chewing gum, etc.

His chart went home with him each day so his foster parents could (in theory) keep up with his behavior as well.

Re: How do you handle an extremely hyperactive child?

I am not a teacher but a social worker in a school. When a teacher I work with has this issuesI tell them pretty much what the other poster said. Def try a personal beh chart - one that is different from your classroom mod plan so that it is something that they feel is "special" or their own. Try to ignore the negative behaviors and praise the positives. Also, give him a classroom job because that break to possibly get out of his seat may be what he needs. Hyperactive kids as you know feel like they are crawling out of their skin, so a walk could be a relief for a period of time. Maybe if your building allows, have him get your mail from the office, or drop off lunch orders etc. If you have a SW or whoever deals with crisis and beh plans, maybe they can speak to the parent about how this is hindering his ability to learn etc. At that point, maybe some sort of group counseling could be mentioned to the parent in order to assist their child in learning skills to help him cope and manage his behavior. In my building the teacher will initially share info and classrooms plans with the parent, if it doesnt help then i get involved and either educate the parent on getting an evaluation to see why this is going on/or initiate counseling/or an official behavior intervention plan.

Sorry this is long winded ! Hope it helps though!