4 Ways Teachers Can Help ADHD Students Succeed
Teachers have a task that is unlike any other job. They are put in a position that is both high in stress and expectations, but the payoff makes it worth it to almost every one of them. Teachers are the future of the children around the world, so when a child walks in their doors with different learning styles, they must adapt. A child with ADHD often struggles in traditional school environments. However, it is not just sitting still that they battle, there are many other aspects. Knowing how to work with these students can set them up for success in the future.
Classroom Management
With children who struggle with ADHD, organizing your classroom in a way that discourages the negative behavior is the best way to see success. All children learn better with positive reinforcement, but clear consequences are also necessary to set an order. As a teacher, you will want to help your students learn how to manage their time and keep things organized. Students with ADHD benefit from this because they are already easily distracted.
Create Acceptable Accommodations
IEPs and 504 plans are designed to help children with learning needs that are different than other children. Teachers should work with the school, parents, and students on learning plans that will create acceptable accommodations that help the child learn. These can include extra times for test-taking and instructions that are highly detailed. In addition, consider planning in extra breaks that allow the child to move, or allow coping strategies that allow moving while sitting (such as fidget spinners). Finally, talk to a student about organizational methods that work for them that may be different than other students.
Communicate Often
The number one thing that helps children is communication. You cannot expect a child to know what they are doing right or wrong without letting them know. Children with ADHD may have a harder time expressing their emotions and struggle with lower self-esteem as a result. Therefore, when you prepare to correct wrong behavior, make sure you have let them know in advance what your expectations are. When they are struggling, provide warnings and patience with redirection. Finally, when they are on track, give them just as much feedback as you do when correcting them.
Assignment Tailoring
Finally, as a teacher, you have the ability to tailor assignments to fit the needs of your students. When you create an assignment, talk to the student and make sure they understand what is expected. Students with ADHD need homework that is broken down into short tasks. This may mean that for long projects, you set up milestones so they know how to break it down and finish it on time.
With a few extra steps, you can help be an asset to a child's future. They will still learn without being overly frustrated. Children with ADHD need people in their life that are willing to teach them how their mind works, and give them the tools necessary to be successful. Contact an ADHD treatment service for more information.
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