Teaching Children With ADHD
Teaching children with
ADHD or ADD can be quite challenging for
educators, and for parents who are working with them at home.
Children
with ADHD are usually inattentive, impulsive and in most cases
hyperactive which hinders them when the time comes for
learning.
It is usually after they enroll their kids in school that parents find out that their child has ADHD. The bad grades come home along with negative notes from the teachers, and complaints from the child that they are being teased and picked on. Overall it’s a very sad situation for everyone involved.
Teachers will tell parents that they spend their entire day trying to control the ADD/ADHD child and often fail to get them to participate in classwork. Instead, the child is off in a daze, talking to others or bouncing around doing their own thing. And when the ADD/ADHD child does get involved in classroom activities, they often shout out answers or run up to the board to contribute in an inappropriate way.
But there is hope for educators and parents who are teaching children with ADD/ADHD.
ADHD alone is NOT a learning disability
and in most cases special education classes are not necessary. But
sometimes properly teaching children with ADD/ADHD could require
placing them in the right school. If you can afford it, consider one of
the
special
schools throughout
the United States that are specifically designed for teaching children
with ADHD and other types of conditions that are NOT
categorized as learning disabilities. Instead these children are
intelligent beings who have learning "differences".
For Homeschoolers
For parents who are home schooling or just looking for a way to give their child that extra help at home, you should consider Time 4 Learning. This online home education program combines learning with fun educational teaching games.
Some ADD/ADHD children when faced with text books or
non-interactive environments appear disinterested. But, when faced with
an interactive system like Time 4 Learning they are often successful at
focusing and learning. The computer is very engaging and this online
program teaches reading, math, science and social studies for
pre-school through 8th grade. It’s a must for teaching children with
ADHD.
For Teachers
We cannot forget about the teachers who need guidance on teaching children with ADD/ADHD in regular schools. Here are some tips:
• You can start by placing the child at the front of the
classroom where there are very few distractions. You may even place
them close to the teacher’s desk or near the place where the
instructions are given, but only if it’s at the front of the room. DO
NOT place them near a window or near a door where they can look out
into the hallway.
• Stand close to the ADD/ADHD child when handing out
instructions or presenting lessons and confirm with them that they
understand. Try not to draw too much attention to them, but make sure
they give you eye contact.
• Seat the quiet child or very smart child next to the ADHD
child. This other child will become a role model for the ADD child to
follow.
• Give directions one at a time when teaching children with
ADD/ADHD. Retention of a series of
instructions can be difficult even for a child who does not have
attention deficit disorder.
• Allow them to think out loud. This will give the teacher
some
insight into their reasoning, and it will slow them down and prevent
them from acting impulsively.
• ADHD children are easily bored so if they have mastered
something, allow them to help you teach.
• When giving tests, allow your ADHD student to sit at a desk
that is facing a wall and given them a little extra time to complete
their work.
• If available, allow the Teacher’s Assistant to keep the
ADD/ADHD child on task.
• Develop a reward system. Behavior that is rewarded tends to
reoccur. The type of reward should change often to make it more
exciting.
• Treat the ADD/ADHD student with respect and remind them that
you are there to help.
• Do not draw too much attention to them if they have to leave
the classroom to take medication. Taking medication can be a source for
teasing if other kids find out that a child is off taking their meds.
• Report changes in behavior to parents or school
administrators. There may be medication issues that doctors may need to
be made aware of.
• Seatwork can be grueling for an ADD/ADHD child. Allow them to take frequent breaks and move around in and outside of the classroom as long as it is not a distraction for others in the class.
Disclaimer: The above information is not provided by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding your medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website.
