What teachers can do to help children with ADHD?

Equip yourself with knowledge and proper understanding of ADHD. Find trusted and reliable sources of information. There are many reputable books about ADHD, which can be obtained from your local book shop or library and numerous resources on the internet.

If you think that a child may have ADHD, talk to the parents about the child’s behavior. Make sure that they understand what is happening, what type of treatment the child could receive and what the implications of that treatment could mean for their child’s future and their home life. Recommend that the child is properly assessed by a medical professional. Click here to contact a proffesional

However, it is important to note, that most parents lack the understanding and knowledge about the condition and stigmas that are sometimes associated with ADHD, some parents have difficulty in accepting a diagnosis of ADHD because they feel the diagnosis is a reflection on them as parents. This is understandable and clear explanations and empathetic discussion to inform the parents about ADHD can help to avoid misunderstandings.

Here are a few Practical tips for teachers when dealing with ADHD in the classroom

1. Minimize distractions

• Sit the child close to you and away from doors and windows
• Make sure that disruptive classmates or children who encourage each other in disruptive behaviour are not seated close to each other.
• Always maintain eye contact with the child while you are talking to him or her.
• Make sure the child understands what is required of them for a particular task.
• Some tasks may need to be broken down into easier or more manageable tasks.
• Regular breaks (if possible) allow the child to rest and refocus afterwards.
• Earplugs may be useful for the child to use during tests or classwork.
• To prevent singling out the child with ADHD, offer everyone in the class the chance to use earphones or earplugs to block out distractions when appropriate.
• Alternate between high and low interest activities, using a variety of strategies to accommodate the multitude of learning styles in the room.
• Try to include opportunities to work individually and cooperatively within a group during lessons.
• Keep lessons period short and vary the pacing from one lesson to the next
• Where appropriate, students who become distracted should not be reprimanded but redirected in a way that does not cause embarrassment.

2. Be positive and liberal with appropriate praise

Children with ADHD respond poorly to criticism. Instead of criticizing behavior or telling them what they must not do, turn the comments around so that they are more positive, or tell them what they should do. Help the child to develop a habit of positive thoughts about themselves. For example, repeating in the head” I can do this” or” I will not let this make me angry”. A positive approach and praise help to improve and build the child’s self-esteem

3. Use opportunities for appropriate physical activity

Using movement during class or activities such as walking to run an errand for you gives the child and opportunity to be active during learning times.

4. Maintain routines, clear rules and structures

Children need routines. It guides them in what they know they should be doing and provides them with a sense of security.

• Keep routine daily activities to the same time every day.
• Keep check lists of things that need to be done
• Use colour coding to help organize things, such as different books for school work.

Rules are not negotiable. If necessary write them down and put them somewhere where everybody can see them

Encourage independence in children when they have shown that they deserve it.

5. Encourage communication

• Be careful not to surprise the child with a question that requires a speedy answer.
• Give the student ample time to answer questions
• Speaks slowly and provide information in small units
• Reinforce verbal instructions and lessons with written materials or by writing on the blackboard.
• Work closely with the child to determine and accommodate individual needs.

6. Deal appropriately with bad behavior

• Let the child know that you are angry or upset with his or her behavior
• Be specific about the behavior that made you angry
• Don’t generalize ( e.g. instead of “you never listen to me” try” I am angry that you did not get your book out when I asked you to”)
• Do not enter into arguments with the child.
• Punishment should be appropriate such as removal of a privilege or being sent for time out for a specific time.
• Be firm in your instructions and do not make threats that you do not intend to carry out.

Clear rules and routines in the classroom make it easier for a child to know and understand boundaries

7. Talk to the parents and other teachers and keep in contact

Keep the parents and other teachers informed about the child’s behavior and response to treatment. If possible, discuss with them how they cope with particular behaviors, so that you  can maintain some consistency of that approach at school and at home.
For Further information, please read the following articles:
ADHD in children
Symptoms of ADHD
What causes ADHD
Famous people with ADHD