Useful Tips for Teaching ADHD Children

With the number of children being diagnosed withas it can help them become motivated to
ADHD on the rise, there is at least on averagecomplete their assignments. It's also important
one child in 25 who have this condition. Thisthat quality and quantity of work mustn't be
means on average one ADHD child per class.ignored but reinforced in the motivational tool. A
Teaching ADHD children can be quite dauntingsticker chart works well for younger children.
even for experienced teachers, as the methodsParents can also help children get organized. Have
used generally have to be adapted to suit thea look at the suggestions below:
child.1. Giving your child a clutter-free environment in
Most successful teachers employ strategies sowhich to do their homework. If you have a room
educating ADHD children doesn't become a battlethey can work in other than their bedroom it can
of wills and the child received an education withouthelp to focus the mind on homework and avoids
disrupting the rest of the class. There are alsodistractions from toys and other more exciting
steps that parents can take at home to ensureactivities.
that homework is completed too.2. Try to keep the house or area they are doing
Many of the strategies teachers can employtheir homework in quiet and free from
include the following:distractions like the TV or radio. If you need to,
- Organizing the child's school environment bydraw the curtains and turn on a light to stop
clearing his desk of clutter, using folders anddistractions from outside.
dividers for easy storage and recognition. This3. Go through the homework they have been
way, the child learns how to get organized; one ofgiven to understand what they are required to do.
the skills ADHD individuals lacks and need to learn.Then only provide the materials they need to
- Reducing the amount of homework to keycomplete that work so as not to confuse or
pieces only will often encourage a sense ofdistract them. This could save you money too, as
responsibility to finish tasks. When loaded withthey won't be tempted to use up all your pens
large amounts of homework regularly it canand paper in one go!
become overwhelming and the child may be4. Label all their belongings and school items such
unable to complete everything.as notebooks, folders, shoes, books, equipment
- Encouraging the use of a word processor on theand bags. Use permanent marker so that it
computer when giving schoolwork and homeworkdoesn't wear off. This way they can recognize
to lessen frustrations that ADHD students maytheir items from their friends easily to try and
feel with written reports.avoid items being lost or misplaced.
- Displaying a visual representation of the day's5. Use a planner both for you and your child. You
work schedule or tasks can enable the student tocan make a simple planner for your child so they
function better. This allows them to internalizeknow what is expected of them on certain days
routine inside the classroom and anticipate theand at certain times.
times needing increased concentration.6. Set up a routine whereby all items needed for
- Helping organize written work, including numericalthe following day are stored in the same place
work. Many children with ADHD struggle witheach night. This can be a cupboard or a basket by
forming words and letters in a disciplined manner.the door it doesn't really matter. What matters is
The teacher may show them how to put spacethe routine as by doing this they are less likely to
between words, using their finger or a pencil andforget important things like homework that needs
numbers could be practiced written on graphhanding in.
papers to help keep things neat and readable.For more tips on helping your child get organized
- Developing a reward system both for schoolat home, sign up for the free ADHD newsletter
and homework accomplishment. This is onebelow.
strategy that proves really beneficial for children