Strategies for Children with ADHD

Children who have ADHD have a difficult time in a number of areas so school can be extremely daunting and negative.  As teachers and parents it is our RESPONSIBILITY to make sure that we implement strategies to help them learn.  It is not about them fitting into our current classroom structure but to re-invent the environment so they can reach their full potential.  Here are a few ideas to get you going:  

1. Be aware of where the student is seated.

• Seat the student front and center.
• Surround the student with good role models.
• Do not place them in high traffic areas, near windows, doors or your desk.
• Use trial-and-error to find the least distracting location in the classroom.
• Seat the child at an individual desk instead of a table.

2. Provide a predictable structure and prepare the student in advance for transitions or changes in schedules.

• Post the rules for your class and verify they are understood.
• Post a monthly calendar with assignment due dates and test dates on it.
• Do a countdown for the last several minutes of the activity.
• Dim lights to signal an activity change.
• Collect assignments in a routine way.
• Post daily schedule.

3. Transitions are especially hard for ADHD and ADD students. Program child for transitions. Give advance warning of when a transition is going to take place (now we are completing the worksheet, next we will ...) and the expectation for the transition (and you will need...)

4. The more stimulation and variety in the classroom will enhance the performance and behavior of students with ADHD or ADD.

• Alter the type of assignments and activities involved.
• Stimulate the learning environment - add shape, color, or texture to an activity.
• Allow students to do constructive doodling; it can improve their attention level.
• Limit distractions as much as possible.
• Keep the classroom door closed. Limit any type of noise or activity so that it is less likely for students with ADHD and ADD to become distracted.

5. Try to keep class size and group size as small as possible.

6. Decrease auditory and visual distractions during difficult or new tasks. Study Corrals or corners away from the group can be beneficial for students with ADHD or ADD.

7. Play soft music in the classroom to create a soft atmosphere and drown out background noise.

8. Turn off the lights and use a flashlight to highlight materials or students.

9. Specifically say and display lists of materials needed until a routine is possible. List steps necessary to complete each assignment.

10. Allow the student to get into a comfortable position while he/she is learning. Encourage students to bring in seat cushions.

11. Have specific locations for all materials (pencil pouches, tabs in notebooks, etc.).

12. Using the wall clock, tell children how long they are to work on an assignment.

13. Encourage planning by frequently using lists, calendars, charts, pictures, and finished products in the classroom.