Sometimes the solution is simple

LSEM > stories > Uncategorized > Sometimes the solution is simple

Sometimes the solution is simple

No Comments

When I came to Bethlehem Lutheran last year, I heard stories of a 2nd grader who struggled with the non-academic parts of a school day, like handling transitions, interpersonal skills, managing his workload, staying focused and on task at school, and regulating his emotions. This year I started working with him as a 3rd grader. He and I watched videos about “the hand model of the brain” and spent lots of time discussing motivations and work skills. His parents and regular classroom teacher were also actively involved in this process, brainstorming various things to try at home and at school, all with minimal success. Finally, after another brainstorming conference we decided to have him try noise-canceling headphones. I was pleasantly shocked when I showed up at school one week and his classroom teacher said he had had a fantastic week, completing some work at school, managing his emotions, and doing routine activities independently. The next week I received the same report. This has continued. When I talk with him, he says everything is good and he feels good about the work he is doing. He knows what he can do if needed, but he hasn’t needed to use his behavior options when he feels agitated. He just uses his headphones. We are amazed at his progress and very thankful to our God who gives wisdom when we ask and shows us the way.