Educational Strategies for Teachers to help Students with ADHD

Margaret Crary

IntroductionThis PowerPoint will explore the strategies and practices toward teaching children with ADHD.As the growing number of children diagnosis, teachers need to provide structural routines in the classroom to help provide success with these students.*

Identifying Children with ADHD

ADHD usually begins in early childhood and continue into adulthood.ADHD occurs in 3 to 5 % of elementary school aged children.According to DSM-IV, ADHD can be defined by behavior exhibited.Poor sustained attention and hyperactivity-impulsiveness.

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Exhibited Behaviors

Fidgeting or squirming in their seatDifficulty remaining seated when require to do soDifficulty sustaining attentionDifficulty following instruction Blurting out before being askShifting one activity to another before completingLosing things and making careless mistakesDifficulty listening to others without distraction or interruptionDelaying gratification and mood swings

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Strategies

Most teachers have found using these strategies helpful. 1. Identifying the unique needs of the student: Assess the educational needs in the classroom Consider both academic and behavioral needs Using assessments Learning style inventories Classroom observation2. Instructional Practices:3. Children who receive special education services: Consult other educators and parents Annual goals Supplement aids that obtain goals *

Teaching-related PracticesReview info on previous topics and describe current lessons.Summarizing various activities planned.Set learning expectationSet behavioral expectation in classroomIdentify material need for lessonsRefer resources that will help master the lessonSimplify the instruction and expectation*

Conducting LessonsStructure and consistency are important.Be supportive when participation in the classroomIdentify students who need assistance.Help students stay focusLower noise level and distraction.Breakdown assignments in to smaller unitsAllow extra time for completion of test or lesson

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Cont.

In addition to the general strategies different students with ADHD have different ways of learning and retaining information. Teachers need to identify areas in which each student requires extra assistance and provide opportunities for the children to master a academic success. Facilitating goals for the different subject will help improving their success as well.*

Organizational SkillsAssignment notebookColor code folders for different subjectsHomework PartnerKeep desk and book bag clean out periodicallyVisual aids in the classroom to remind students of the material being learned.*

Cont.Time management when completing assignment.Use a calendar to schedule assignments.When using worksheets reveal only one question at a time.Check to make sure student is understanding task.Allow student to ask question.Monitor work.*

Behavioral InterventionChildren with ADHD often acts immaturely and have difficulty learning how to control their impulsiveness and hyperactivity. They may have difficulty forming friendships and thinking through social consequences of their action, With intervention the students learns how to control their behavior and be more effective in the classroom.*

Cont. Behavioral InterventionPraise when positive behavior is displayed immediately.Be consistent to avoid confusion.Ignore unintentional behavior.Remove any nuisance items in the room that might distract the studentPermit the student to leave class for a moment for a break( library, run an errand)Encouragement from the teacher can help prevent students from becoming frustrated with an assignment.Keeping parents involved play a critical roles in the success of the student

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Classroom AccommodationChildren with ADHD often have difficulty adjusting to the structured environment of a classroom . Seat the child near the teacher.Place student near a role model student.Allow the student to work in a low distract area.Make sure seating is the right size for the student.Make sure the child has the necessary tools for their assignment.Allow extra time if needed.

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Conclusion

When teachers are more aware of the struggles of a student with ADHD, they can better help the students in the classroom and establish a calm structured learning environment. School personnel have an important role to play in enabling students to have a successful school career. *

ReferencesTeacher to Teacher Trainingwww.CHADD.orgResource for Teacherswww.ADDinschool.comMagazine www.additudemag.com

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Questions

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