You can form an important partnership with your child's teacher to create the most appropriate school situation for learning. Teachers are very important in the psychosocial and educational development of your child, and it is important that they understand your child's particular needs. There are a number of strategies to foster a positive relationship with your child's teacher, including:

* Information about Tourette Syndrome is very important for the teacher. It will help him or her understand the scope of the problem your child faces. Begin by explaining TS to the teacher and ask if he or she would like more information. If so, you could provide him or her with brochures or get information from the Tourette Syndrome Association of Ontario Website. Also, your local TSA chapter will come to train staff members and students about TS
* Your child may need a "safe" place where he or she can let out tics. Talk with the teacher to arrange a location. Also, discuss with the teacher your child's times of optimal performance. For example, your child may be more alert and less tired in the morning than in the afternoon, after he or she has been trying to suppress tics all day.
* The teacher may not see as many of your child's TS symptoms as you do at home. Make sure to inform him or her that most children with TS do not tic as much in the regular classroom due to suppression and other factors. However, make sure the teacher understands that your child does not have control over the tics and can only suppress them for certain periods of time.
* Discuss with the teacher your child's strengths in school so the teacher can develop more effective strategies in the classroom for your child.
* Explain to the teacher that your child's behaviors are symptoms of TS and not just acting out. Although the child cannot control tics, he or she should listen and be polite.
* Refer to the Create a Supportive Classroom for Children.

Make sure that the strategies you and the teacher use are particular to the needs of your child and inform your child that you have spoken to the teacher.

Tourette Syndrome, and specifically the tics associated with it, sometimes make being in a classroom and paying attention difficult. Here are some ideas to make the classroom environment more supportive for your child.

Ideas to Talk to the Teacher About
* Your child may feel self-conscious and would prefer not sitting in the front of the room. If so, talk to the teacher about getting a seat near the front but off to one side.
* Arrange with the teacher for a place for your child to go to let tics out, such as the nurse's office, the hallway, or the bathroom. Talk to the teacher about allowing your child short breaks to go there as needed. Maybe arrange a secret signal between your child and the teacher to give permission to visit the safe place for experiencing tics.
* Talk to the teacher about allowing untimed or extended-time tests.
* Talk to your child's teacher about taking tests in a separate room. Without the pressure of suppressing tics, your child may be able to concentrate better on the test.

Homework Strategies
* Break down your child's assignments or homework into chunks. If a worksheet has three parts to it, start by concentrating on the first part, take a break, then do the second part, and so on.
* Use large block graph paper or ruled paper with the lines turned vertically to help in aligning numbers while doing math problems.
* Use a straight edge or slotted card to keep your child's reading focused.
* If your child has to memorize a list, try using a mnemonic. For example, if you need to remember the order of the planets, Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto, you could use the mnemonic, My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nine Pizzas. The first letter of each word corresponds to the first letter of the planets, in order.
* Encourage studying in groups. That way, questions can be asked, and your child can stay focused. If large groups make concentration difficult, try finding a tutor or study partner for your child or organize small study groups.
* Give your child an incentive or reward for completing assignments.
* Use a checklist to help your child stay organized.
* Instead of starting homework right after school, give your child some "play" time to release tension, energy, and tics.

Classroom Strategies
* Help your child keep a weekly list of assignments.
* Ask if lectures or lessons can be taped if your child has trouble concentrating in class.
* Ask about the use of tape recorders, computers, calculators, or dictation in the classroom.
* Organize school supplies, homework, and clothes the night before school, not in the morning.
* Buy one big notebook with dividers for each subject for your child to take notes in.

A presentation on TS to your child's class will help with peer relations and self-esteem. By explaining TS to your child's classmates, you can increase their understanding and decrease teasing of your child. A more understanding classroom can lead to benefits for your child, like lower anxiety and an increased comfort in the classroom. Talk to the TSAO about a presentation for the classroom or an inservice for the school staff.