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Eight tips for teachers with ADHD students - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; classroom management tips - includes related articles
Instructor, May-June, 1994 by Connie Weaver
1. Become informed. Learn as much as you can about the characteristics of ADHD and its effects on behavior and learning. The parents of kids who have been diagnosed with ADHD can be your best resource. You can also contact your local chapter of Children with Attention Deficit Disorders, or CHADD (see resource list, below).
2. Move toward a project-based classroom. Discover your students' interests and organize units of study around them. Give kids Many different methods for showing what they know - oral presentations, art projects, creative drama, and so forth. You may need to restructure your teaching schedule so kids will have time to investigate their interests and work on projects.
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3. Offer choices. The key to keeping ADHD kids (not to mention non-ADHD kids) on task is making sure they are fully engaged in what they are learning. Because kids with attention deficit disorders sometimes become overwhelmed by too many choices, narrow down the possibilities for them, if necessary.
4. Give kids the tools to compensate for shortcomings. For instance, kids with ADHD often have trouble writing neatly; using a word processor could help ease their frustration. Children with ADHD are sometimes poor spellers, so let them use a spell checker to edit, their stories. Wherever possible, let kids use checklists - to assess key elements of their stories during the revision process, to determine whether they've followed important steps of a mathematical algorithm, or to help them remember spelling rules. Physically checking off what they've accomplished will help kids stay focused on their goals.
5. Make directions as easy to follow as possible. Make sure you have kids' attention before reading or explaining directions. If possible, give students an opportunity to start homework assignments in school so they can ask questions.
6. Monitor progress. Check assignment folders or notebooks on a regular basis. Ask kids to articulate their goals in daily work journals when doing a project.
7. Use alternative assessments to measure learning. Sitting still for hours at a time filling in bubbles on a traditional standardized test may be the worst way for ADHD kids to show what they know. If possible, use standardized tests as only one standard of measurement.
8. Ask for help. Under section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, your ADHD student could be entitled to a classroom aide or other special services. Work with your principal or superintendent to find out how to get help.
Resources for Dealing with ADHD
Children with Attention Deficit Disorders (CHADD) publishes a newsletter and manuals for parents and teachers of ADHD kids. Write to them at 499 Northwest 70th Ave., Suite 308, Plantation, FL 33317; or call (305) 587-3700.
ADHD WareHouse distributes books, videos, and training programs for ADHD and related problems; (800) 233-9273.
Success at Last! Helping Students with Attention Deficit (Hyperactivity) Disorder Achieve Their Potential (Heinemann, 1994) includes articles by ADHDers, as well as parents, teachers, and psychologists who have dealt with this issue; (800) 541-2086.
Becoming Responsible Learners: Strategies for Positive Classroom Management by Mark Collis and Joan Dalton (Heinemann, 1990). Excellent strategies for helping children take increasing responsibility for their behaviors. Especially recommended by ADHD experts for help with this problem; (800) 541-2086.
COPYRIGHT 1994 Scholastic, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group
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