Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter which helps our brain to work effectively. However, we need the right level of dopamine. Research has determined that people with ADHD have a dopamine deficiency, this means their brain simply does not release the correct amount. This hinders their ability to perform tasks which are easy for people who… Continue reading The Role of Dopamine
Author: Fiona
Hi, I'm Fiona Kearnan. I am a passionate educator and have a particular interest in helping students with ADHD, and their teachers. I have been researching the impacts of ADHD on student behaviour and learning for over 30 years. I studied primary teaching at The University of Melbourne, obtained special education qualifications at Deakin University, and completed my Master of Education at Monash University.
I have taught in primary, secondary and special education settings. I held the role of Head of Teaching and Learning in a P-12 College in Melbourne prior to becoming one of Australia's first Arrowsmith Program teachers.
My passion, understanding and experience of ADHD enable me to empower teachers to 'flick the switch' and assist students with this neurological condition to reach their potential.
I am the author of 'Flicking the Switch: Reaching and Teaching Students with ADHD' on Amazon, and also provide professional development for teachers, helping them to better understand their ADHD students and to equip them to support their students with ADHD to thrive at school and reach their potential.
I am an avid reader and a professional photographer. I enjoy cooking and am a keen traveler. My husband, Matthew, and I have two adult children and we reside in Melbourne, Australia. You can follow me on Facebook or Instagram.
Rebuild the Walls
When I was a student in the 80s, schools were mainly designed with individual classrooms for each class and one teacher. Another common feature was to have a double classroom with folding doors which could be opened or closed depending on the nature of the lesson being taught. This afforded the opportunity for two classes… Continue reading Rebuild the Walls
Behaviour charts and self-esteem
There is much debate about the usage of behaviour charts in schools and, whilst they are implemented in classrooms with good intentions, they are not helpful for any student, especially those with ADHD. In fact, they can have some significant impacts on student wellbeing. Behaviour charts are used in classrooms to manage student behaviour. They… Continue reading Behaviour charts and self-esteem
The Burden of RSD
Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria, or RSD, is a characteristic of ADHD that I only recently became aware of. In fact, it was whilst listening to my recently diagnosed daughter explaining her struggles that I looked further into it and discovered that it is often considered one of the most debilitating aspects of having ADHD. RSD is… Continue reading The Burden of RSD
The Green Pen
Have you ever considered what impact the pen colour you use to mark a student’s work has on their self esteem? Many teachers haven’t and, without thinking, always reach for a red pen. Perhaps this is because red pen stands out against the blue or black ink that a student uses when completing assignments. Or… Continue reading The Green Pen
Fake it till you make it!
One of the most significant things I’ve found when teaching students with ADHD is that they must perceive that you like them and enjoy having them in your class! ADHD students are very perceptive and also extremely sensitive. They can easily determine who is for them and who is not. If they sense that a… Continue reading Fake it till you make it!
Welcome
Hi. I’m so glad you found my blog! I’m Fiona and I’m really looking forward to sharing strategies that make a huge difference for students with ADHD. I hope you find something that will really help you in your classroom. Enjoy 🙂