Useful Tips for Teaching ADHD Children

With the number of children being diagnosed with ADHD on the rise, there is at least on average one child in 25 who have this condition. This means on average one ADHD child per class. Teaching ADHD children can be quite daunting even for experienced teachers, as the methods used generally have to be adapted to suit the child.

Most successful teachers employ strategies so educating ADHD children doesn’t become a battle of wills and the child received an education without disrupting the rest of the class. There are also steps that parents can take at home to ensure that homework is completed too.

Many of the strategies teachers can employ include the following:

- Organizing the child’s school environment by clearing his desk of clutter, using folders and dividers for easy storage and recognition. This way, the child learns how to get organized; one of the skills ADHD individuals lacks and need to learn.

- Reducing the amount of homework to key pieces only will often encourage a sense of responsibility to finish tasks. When loaded with large amounts of homework regularly it can become overwhelming and the child may be unable to complete everything.

- Encouraging the use of a word processor on the computer when giving schoolwork and homework to lessen frustrations that ADHD students may feel with written reports.

- Displaying a visual representation of the day's work schedule or tasks can enable the student to function better. This allows them to internalize routine inside the classroom and anticipate the times needing increased concentration.

- Helping organize written work, including numerical work. Many children with ADHD struggle with forming words and letters in a disciplined manner. The teacher may show them how to put space between words, using their finger or a pencil and numbers could be practiced written on graph papers to help keep things neat and readable.

- Developing a reward system both for school and homework accomplishment. This is one strategy that proves really beneficial for children as it can help them become motivated to complete their assignments. It’s also important that quality and quantity of work mustn’t be ignored but reinforced in the motivational tool. A sticker chart works well for younger children.

Parents can also help children get organized. Have a look at the suggestions below:

1. Giving your child a clutter-free environment in which to do their homework. If you have a room they can work in other than their bedroom it can help to focus the mind on homework and avoids distractions from toys and other more exciting activities.

2. Try to keep the house or area they are doing their homework in quiet and free from distractions like the TV or radio. If you need to, draw the curtains and turn on a light to stop distractions from outside.

3. Go through the homework they have been given to understand what they are required to do. Then only provide the materials they need to complete that work so as not to confuse or distract them. This could save you money too, as they won’t be tempted to use up all your pens and paper in one go!

4. Label all their belongings and school items such as notebooks, folders, shoes, books, equipment and bags. Use permanent marker so that it doesn’t wear off. This way they can recognize their items from their friends easily to try and avoid items being lost or misplaced.

5. Use a planner both for you and your child. You can make a simple planner for your child so they know what is expected of them on certain days and at certain times.

6. Set up a routine whereby all items needed for the following day are stored in the same place each night. This can be a cupboard or a basket by the door it doesn’t really matter. What matters is the routine as by doing this they are less likely to forget important things like homework that needs handing in.

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With ADHD children finding ways to overcome the distractions and ensure that they are organized for the day ahead can be challenging, over teaching ADHD children doesn’t have too be hard as long as there are strategies in place.