3MinuteELT: How to help ESL students with ADHD

Summary

In this video, Miranda from Twinkle ESL offers three essential tips for helping students with ADHD in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of adjusting perceptions, highlighting that ADHD is not just about being disruptive, but can also involve hyper-focus. Understanding the student's interests and collaborating with parents can lead to effective strategies. Additionally, Miranda suggests using the student's extra energy productively, such as through fidgeting or classroom tasks. This advice aims to create a positive learning environment for ADHD students, making them feel valued while enhancing their educational experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand that ADHD is often misunderstood as simply being disruptive or unable to focus, but it is a more complex condition.
• 🎯 Students with ADHD can sometimes hyperfocus on tasks that truly interest them, showcasing their potential when engaged.
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers should adapt their approach to relate to students with ADHD, finding what captures their attention to enhance learning.
• 🤝 Getting to know your ADHD students and their parents is essential for identifying strategies that work both in class and at home.
• 📚 In some cases, parents might not be aware or open to their child having ADHD, so delicate conversations are necessary when discussing behavioral strategies.
• 🏡 Consistency between home and school routines and strategies can provide a stable and structured environment for students with ADHD.
• ⚡ Help students channel their extra energy productively by giving them tasks to do, like handing out materials or assisting in classroom activities.
• 🎨 Allow students to engage in fidgeting activities, like holding a stress ball or drawing, to help them stay focused and reduce restlessness.
• 🙋‍♂️ When students use their energy in a positive way, it boosts their confidence and reinforces the idea that they are helpers, not troublemakers.
• 📺 The video is part of a series focused on how to support students with special educational needs like ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism.
• 📅 Subscribe to the series for more tips and strategies for supporting students with diverse needs in the ESL classroom.

Q & A

What is the main challenge that most ESL teachers face when working with students with ADHD?

Most ESL teachers do not receive formal training on how to support students with ADHD, yet they will likely encounter students with ADHD in their classrooms at some point in their careers.

How does ADHD manifest in ways other than being disruptive in the classroom?

ADHD can manifest in ways other than disruption, such as students being able to hyper-focus on topics or tasks they find highly interesting. This ability to focus intensely on something can be a strength for students with ADHD.

How can teachers engage students with ADHD based on their interests?

Teachers can engage students with ADHD by identifying what interests them and using that as a focal point for the lesson or activities. Finding what captures their attention helps make learning more engaging.

What is a common misconception about ADHD?

A common misconception about ADHD is that students with the condition are always disruptive, incapable of focusing, or constantly moving. In reality, ADHD is more complex and can include abilities like hyper-focus.

Why is it important for ESL teachers to get to know their students and their parents?

Building a relationship with students and their parents is important because it helps teachers understand the student's interests and behavior, and it allows them to use consistent strategies between home and school to support the student's needs.

How can teachers delicately approach the topic of ADHD with parents?

Teachers should approach the topic of ADHD delicately, as some parents may not be aware of the condition or may be reluctant to acknowledge it. Instead of directly mentioning ADHD, teachers can discuss general strategies for managing behavior and supporting the student's focus.

What are some examples of productive ways to channel a student's extra energy in the classroom?

Teachers can channel a student's extra energy by allowing them to use stress balls or other fidget tools, or by giving them tasks like handing out worksheets, organizing materials, or assisting with classroom chores.

What benefits do students with ADHD gain from being given classroom tasks?

When students with ADHD are given tasks, they can burn off extra energy in a productive way, while also feeling valued and helpful. This approach boosts their self-esteem and helps them feel positive about their role in the classroom.

What is the ultimate goal for teachers when supporting students with ADHD?

The ultimate goal is to ensure that students with ADHD have a positive learning experience. By finding ways to engage them and help them channel their energy, teachers can create an environment where students feel supported, included, and capable of success.

What other special educational needs are discussed in the video series?

The video series also covers strategies for helping students with other special educational needs such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism.