| siveness, lack of attention and hyperactivity are the | | | | concentrating. |
| common traits of children with ADHD. All of these can | | | | • Always show the value of organization in the |
| make it hard to teach children in a school environment. | | | | classroom. Give them time to fix his things by |
| Therefore it is important that when teaching ADHD | | | | themselves. |
| children the day is carefully planned to try and ensure | | | | • Be liberal with praise. Praise the good deeds |
| the children are kept organized and motivated to | | | | and give rewards to those who did well in the |
| complete tasks. | | | | schoolwork and homework. Positive feedback will |
| Teachers who have ADHD children in their classes | | | | generally work better than negative feedback. |
| need to be accepting and accommodating of the | | | | • Monitor the child's progress. Always have the |
| condition. Although some children with ADHD may | | | | parents involved. |
| have learning difficulties that are associated with | | | | • Be clear on when moving around is |
| ADHD behaviors, they are not unintelligent, they just | | | | acceptable and when it’s not. Don’t |
| need to be given the right environment in which to | | | | expect them to sit in their seats all day. |
| learn. | | | | • Encourage him to work in groups to |
| So, what steps can be taken to effectively teach | | | | encourage interaction with peers. |
| ADHD children? First and foremost, it helps to | | | | Parents can also find it hard to find solutions to ADHD |
| understand their uniqueness. Take a look at the list of | | | | behavior. However, it is essential that the parents of an |
| strategies for teaching children with ADHD below. | | | | ADHD child get involved with his progress and |
| • Introduce the child to an organized | | | | transition. Keep up to date with what’s |
| environment. When in school, make use of folders and | | | | happening at school and find out if there is actions you |
| dividers on his desk so he'll be able to spot things | | | | can take at home that will help cement what is being |
| easily. Also a color coding system to distinguish the | | | | taught in school. |
| textbook covers for specific subjects can be useful. | | | | When it comes to homework it is important to be |
| • Children with ADHD can struggle with writing | | | | supportive, without actually doing the homework for |
| and numerical work. Showing him how to use his finger | | | | your child. |
| or pencil across the pages when reading to help keep | | | | Provide a quiet space that is free from distractions, |
| concentration and so he doesn’t lose his place. | | | | both visual and aural. Take a look at what homework |
| When writing, encourage him to use his fingers to | | | | is required and ensure your child understands what |
| specify spacing and graph paper is useful when writing | | | | they need to do. Answer any questions they have and |
| numbers to keep things aligned. | | | | provide the necessary materials, but then leave them |
| • Reduce his homework. Too much homework | | | | to complete the work. |
| can be really overwhelming for kids with ADHD. Better | | | | When the homework is finished review it with your |
| to give a lesser amount and have it completed than | | | | child. If they’ve made mistakes or missed out a |
| allocate a lot and have nothing back. As much as | | | | section, point it out, assure them that it is alright to |
| possible, give homework that involves the use of | | | | make mistakes, but that mistakes need correcting. |
| materials instead of requiring lots of writing. | | | | Always praise him for a good job. |
| • Provide a warm and welcoming classroom | | | | For more teaching tips on helping ADHD children get |
| environment, but one that doesn’t offer too | | | | through their schoolwork, sign up for the free ADHD |
| many distractions. Think about where you sit children | | | | newsletter below. |
| with ADHD to allow them the best chance for | | | | |