TIPS FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH ADHD

It is frustrating when a child won't listen or pay attention and is having difficulty writing, completing assignments, or sitting still every day. However, in most cases, it is inevitable that all of us will experience having a student with ADHD in our classroom. Here are some suggestions to help you accommodate the special needs of those children.


TIPS:

1. Distractions: In order to keep the student on task, it is better to seat him/her near the teacher and away from doors and windows. This helps the student stay focused on the teacher.

2. Tape assignments: Kids with ADHD tend to have trouble remembering spoken instructions and feedback immediately so it is important to tape them so if they forget, they just have to play the tape and listen to them again.

3. Note-taking partner: ADHD-related handwriting problems can make it hard to keep up when taking notes. By providing the student with a partner, they can share notes and the partner can explain them if it is confusing.

4. Giving a lighter workload: This is appropriate for children with ADHD who struggle to get their class work or homework done. The questions are just as hard - there are just fewer of them. Academic assignments should be brief! Longer projects should be broken up into manageable parts.

5. Extra time for test taking: The idea is not to make the exam easier for the child but to level the playing field, by providing sufficient time for the child to show what he/she knows.

6. Run errands for the teacher: It is great to send students with ADHD on simple errands because it can help hyperactive kids burn off some energy.

7. Time limits for task completion: Time limits should be specified and can be enforced with timers.

8. Scheduling: On-task behavior of students with ADHD progressively worsens over the course of the day, it is suggested that academic instruction be provided in the morning. During the after-noon, schedule more active, nonacademic activities.

9. Manipulatives: Presentation of material should include increased stimulation such as different colors, shapes, and textures. These will reduce activity level, enhance attention and improve overall performance.

10. Instructions: Students with ADHD have difficulty following multi-step directions, it is important for instruction to be short, specific and direct. Repeat directions frequently.

11. Productive physical movement: As we all know, students with ADHD may have difficulty sitting still. Productive physical movement should be planned. It is appropriate to allow the student with ADHD opportunities for controlled movement and to develop a repertoire of physical activities for the entire class such as stretch breaks. Other examples might include a trip to the office, a chance to sharpen a pencil, taking a note to another teacher, watering the plants, feeding classroom pets, or simply standing at a desk while completing classwork. Alternating seatwork activities such as rotating stations will also be productive. It is also important to keep in mind that on some days it will be more difficult for the student to sit still than on others.