Jumpin' Johnny Get Back to Work! : A Child's Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Jumpin' Johnny Get Back to Work!: A Child's Guide to ADHD/Hyperactivity by Michael Gordon is an educational book aimed at helping children understand Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Through the character of Jumpin' Johnny, the book explores the challenges and experiences of a child with ADHD in a relatable and engaging way. It provides insights into the symptoms of ADHD, such as difficulty concentrating, impulsiveness, and hyperactivity, while also offering strategies for managing these symptoms. The book is designed to empower children with ADHD by providing them with knowledge about their condition and encouraging them to embrace their unique qualities. It also serves as a resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers to better support children with ADHD in their development and daily activities.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Johnny feels when he's having a hard day focusing?
What are some of the ways that help Johnny feel better when he is overwhelmed?
Can you think of a time when you felt like Johnny? What helped you calm down?
Why do you think it's important for Johnny to keep trying, even when things are tough?
What are some strategies that Johnny uses that you think could work for you too?
Tip: Role play these questions
Validate your child’s feelings by sharing moments when you've felt similar to Johnny, promoting empathy and understanding.
Ask your child to imagine alternative endings or scenarios to deepen their understanding of handling emotions and distractions.
Encourage your child to draw or write about their own experiences after reading the book to foster creativity and personal connection.
Pause at critical moments in the story to discuss Johnny’s choices and feelings, allowing your child to actively participate in the narrative.
Explore the book’s illustrations together, discussing how the visuals help tell the story and reflect Johnny’s emotions.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding ADHD
Explanation: The book provides a clear depiction of what ADHD feels like from a child’s perspective, offering insights into Johnny's challenges and triumphs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn empathy and understanding for peers who might struggle with similar challenges, fostering a supportive environment both at school and home.
Example Lesson: Importance of Persistence
Explanation: Johnny faces many obstacles due to his ADHD but continually strives to overcome them, showing resilience.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of perseverance in the face of difficulties, encouraging them to keep trying despite setbacks.
Example Lesson: Seeking Help
Explanation: Johnny learns to recognize when he needs help and how to ask for it, a crucial step in managing his ADHD effectively.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of asking for help when needed, which can be applied in schoolwork, personal relationships, or any challenging situation.
Example Lesson: Self-Acceptance
Explanation: Despite his ADHD, Johnny learns to appreciate his unique abilities and qualities, contributing to a healthy self-esteem.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to embrace their individual differences and view them as strengths, not weaknesses.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Through the narrative, Johnny discovers that working with others can lead to greater success than working alone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied to collaborative projects in school, promoting effective teamwork and cooperative problem-solving skills.