Teaching Tips For ADHD students

ADHD child at school may face trouble paying attention, regulating behavior and even sitting still in the class at times. Generally you may find his/her desk will often be messy and may even lose important papers and assignments. 

ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity disorder is a chronic condition, which may interfere with daily life, causing problems in school life of children and as well as at home. If it is not treated on time, it can slow down social, emotional and academic growth of the child.

By following few guidelines, educators can impart teaching in a better way to ADHD students -

• Teachers must try to break complex instructions into small and simpler parts.
• Educators need to pay extra focus on assignments of ADHD children and need to keep track of  homework.
• Don’t overburden or pressurize ADHD child. Provide regular and frequent breaks.
• Try and seat the child away from distractions and make him sit next to students who are positive role models.
• Make the child feel comfortable in the group settings. As children with ADHD easily get distracted in large groups.
• Make ADHD students learn subjects with help of color coding method. Associate each subject with a particular colour. Use certain color for subject’s textbook cover and on the folder or workbook for that subject.
• Develop a reward system for in-school work and homework completion.
• Teachers can distribute certain prizes and awards for active and accurate participation by the student.
• Keep record of the timelines on the board each day. Provide due dates for assignments every time.
• Adapt Curriculum and Instruction- Provide more direct instruction and as much one-on-one instruction as possible. Use guided instruction.
• Giving Assignments- Give out only one task at a time. Monitor frequently. Maintain a supportive attitude.

Tips on Improving Social Skills:

• Students with short attention span problems experience difficulties in the social area, especially with peer relationships.
• They easily don’t understand social cues and act impulsively.
• They have limited self-awareness and tend not to recognize positive feedback.
• They tend to play better with younger or older children when their roles are clearly defined.
• While interacting they might ramble and speak out embarrassing things to other students of their age. Areas and time-periods with less structure and can be problematic.