TEACHERS
Suggestions for teachers with students that have ADHD can be found below.
TAILOR HOMEWORK
Students with ADHD often need teachers to be flexible with homework. Sandra Rief, in her article for ADDitude Magazine titled “8 Reasons Teachers Should Rethink Homework,” gives several examples of ways to alter homework assignments including: (1) listen to parents comments regarding homework, (2) realize that many students receive medication during the day and not at night which may result in an increased inability to focus at night, (3) avoid sending unfinished classwork home which may create information overload and frustrating situations, (4) never give new information for homework, (5) avoid busywork for homework, (6) never give homework as a punishment, (7) assign study buddies for homework, and (8) make adaptations to homework for each student (Rief, n.d.).
CREATE ROUTINES
Another great strategy that teachers can employ is creating routine. Sheri Gent, in her article titled “12 Teacher Strategies to Inspire Listening, Learning and Self-Control,” outlines several ways to create routines including establishing schedules, being consistent, being clear with directions, and creating zones of regulation for emotional control. Routines are extremely important for the ADHD sufferer. Other great ways to create routine is by allowing students to use apps in the classroom. Examples of great apps for students are: the Interval Timer 50/50 which sets a timer for certain tasks, Streaks app which is a to-do-list app, iPhone Reminders app which reminds you of things you write down at random times, and Focus@Will which plays instrumental music to focus when studying. All of these apps can be used to help create routine and consistency in the daily life of ADHD students.
FIND THE UPSIDE
Try to view your students with ADHD in a different light. Put a positive spin on their disability. Try to see students’ ‘impulsive actions’ as them ‘taking a risk’ or being ‘daring.’ View their ‘inattention’ and ‘wandering mind’ as a sign of boredom, which should signal you as the teacher to find something more engaging for the child. Observe ‘seat squirming’ as a cue to give the class a small stretch break. If a student is not following directions, pay close attention to what they are changing. You may find that they have found a more interesting way of doing things. After some time, an ADHD disability may not seem like an ailment at all, but rather a gift. ADHD students’ actions should certainly not always be dismissed as bad behavior. Find the positivity in their mannerisms and use it to benefit the entire class.
References
Gent, S. (2017, November 27). 12 Teacher Strategies to Inspire Listening, Learning and Self-Control. Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/slideshows/student-behavior-problems-in-the-classroom-teacher-tips/
Rief, S. (2018, April 04). 8 Reasons Teachers Should Rethink Homework. Retrieved from https://www.additudemag.com/teacher-homework-practices-for-adhd-students/
Ready to Make a Change?
Educating children with ADHD is no easy task. Know that you are not alone. Please enlist the help of our school to find the right plan and solution for your child.