Teaching Children With ADHD

A bit of knowledge and lots of love from teachers can go a long way in teaching children with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Teaching children with ADHD requires specialized skills, and that is why one of the best ways to teach them is for the relevant authorities to equip teachers with at least basic ADHD screening and management know-how. The absence of such skills may lead teachers, and even parents, to wrongly label ADHD children as “naughty”, “bad”, “rude” or even “lazy” and then leave these poor kids to their own devices.

By not being able to diagnose the problem child quickly, the child is thus deprived of an early intervention treatment which could turn their lives around quickly. Non-treatment may then lead children with ADHD to have poor self esteem, poor academic achievement and socialisation skills, which could make them unhappy, depressed and heightens the risk of getting in trouble with the law.

Proven tips for teaching children with ADHD.

Tip 1. In class, seat the child in the front row, preferably sandwiched between two of the most quiet/calm 
children and awayfrom distractions like windows and doors.

Tip 2. Discuss with the child to come up with predetermined cues to remind the child that he needs to do something, such asto focus. For example, putting a hand on the shoulder could be a “secret” signal to pay attention. This will removeunnecessary embarrassment for the child.

Tip 3. In teaching children with ADHD, there also need to be rules. This is because the child must know what is expected of them. Create a small number of clearly written rules and post them conspicuously in the classroom. Also issue regular verbal reminders when deemed necessary.

Tip 4. Another useful thing to know is that such children require routine as they cope poorly with unexpected surprises. They must know what is going to happen first, what is going to happen next, etc. Repetition is the key to developing desired behavior.

Tip 5. Create something like a checklist for the child using a small notebook. This list may consist of things like homework for the day and the equipments they need to bring to school the next day, etc. They are ticked off as they are completed. Helping the child to be systematic and organized this way helps.

Tip 6. Introduce a system of positive reinforcements and a penalty as a way to get the child to act appropriately. However, problems, rewards and penalties should be discussed with the child and agreed upon before its introduction. Rewards should always outweigh the fine.

Tip 7. In teaching children with ADHD, it is best to keep the curriculum interesting and lively using colours and bold letterings. Make academic tasks as brief as possible and give immediate feedback on the accuracy of assignments.

Tip 8. A child with ADHD often has difficulty socializing or making friends. Gently point out when the child interrupts a conversation or simply speak without waiting for his or her turn. Create an environment where students are encouraged to work together and consider peer tutoring.

Teaching children with ADHD requires lots of patience and love, and if those positive stuff comes from someone outside the family (such as a teacher), it could well make all the difference in whether the child looks forward to school or dreaded it. Often times, a child flourishes when teachers tell the child that he is loved and accepted...

To learn about gifted children with ADHD, please Click Here.