Tips on how to support students with ADHD in the classroom
Inattention
- Set a timer for classwork.
- Incentive for finishing work on time.
- Have prearranged visual cues to help a student know to refocus.
- Give student access to work in quiet area or use headphones with soft music.
- Break apart long assignments into manageable parts.
- Have the student check-in with you throughout the day to monitor progress.
Image source: www.howtolearn.com/ - Give the student frequent breaks and chances to move.
- Write instructions down.
Hyperactivity
- Fidget or stress ball.
- Use a reward system for completing a specific number of positive behaviours.
- Engage the students in constructive activities, such as reading, games, and puzzles.
- Keep an active pace in the classroom during activities.
- Frequent breaks and chances to move.
- Give student jobs such as passing out papers and sharpening pencils.
- Have hourly, daily, and weekly goals.
- Break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Whole class brain gym to start the day and also in the afternoon when a bit more restless.
Impulsivity
- Have clear rules and expectations and review them often.
- Have consistent consequences and rewards.
- Set hourly, daily and weekly goals.
- Have students think-aloud when problem-solving.
- Set a timer for classwork.
- Incentive for finishing work on time.
- Have prearranged visual cues to help a student know to refocus.
- Give student access to work in quiet area or use headphones with soft music.
- Break apart long assignments into manageable parts.
- Have the student check-in with you throughout the day to monitor progress.
Image source: www.howtolearn.com/ - Give the student frequent breaks and chances to move.
- Write instructions down.
Hyperactivity
- Fidget or stress ball.
- Use a reward system for completing a specific number of positive behaviours.
- Engage the students in constructive activities, such as reading, games, and puzzles.
- Keep an active pace in the classroom during activities.
- Frequent breaks and chances to move.
- Give student jobs such as passing out papers and sharpening pencils.
- Have hourly, daily, and weekly goals.
- Break tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces.
- Whole class brain gym to start the day and also in the afternoon when a bit more restless.
Impulsivity
- Have clear rules and expectations and review them often.
- Have consistent consequences and rewards.
- Set hourly, daily and weekly goals.
- Have students think-aloud when problem-solving.
Resources
The following resources below contain further tips and strategies to help support student's with ADHD.
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-kids-impulsive-behavior-management
http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/impulsive.htm
http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues148c.shtml
http://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/childhood-adhd/adhd-kids-impulsive-behavior-management
http://www.addinschool.com/elementary/impulsive.htm
http://www.educationworld.com/a_issues/issues148c.shtml