14 Strategies to Help Children with ADHD (Classroom or Home)

Summary

Rachel Wise, a certified school psychologist, shares 14 strategies to support children with ADHD, emphasizing that these approaches can help all children with challenging behaviors. She explains how students with ADHD often face difficulties in areas such as following directions, staying focused, and completing tasks. Punishing them for behaviors they can't control can worsen the situation, leading to frustration and low self-esteem. Wise advocates for collaboration between parents and teachers to create supportive environments. The strategies focus on organization, movement breaks, clear instructions, positive reinforcement, and creating choices, fostering better behavior and academic progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Children with ADHD often struggle with following directions, staying focused, and controlling impulses, and these behaviors are not always intentional.
• 📝 Punishing children for behaviors they cannot control may lower self-esteem and worsen their behavior over time.
• 📚 ADHD symptoms can be managed with the right strategies, benefiting both children with ADHD and those with other behavioral challenges.
• 🚶‍♂️ Offering movement breaks or giving students tasks that involve physical activity can help children who struggle to stay seated or focus.
• 📝 Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable steps can aid in focus and task completion for students with ADHD.
• 📋 Visual aids like timers and step-by-step instructions help students stay organized and on track with tasks.
• 🔄 Teachers should use positive reinforcement by phrasing directions positively and offering praise for good behavior.
• 💡 Hands-on, interactive learning methods increase engagement for children with ADHD and benefit the whole class.
• 🎮 Providing choices throughout the day gives students with ADHD a sense of control, reducing defiance.
• 🏫 Collaboration between teachers, parents, and school professionals is crucial to effectively support children with ADHD in school and at home.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Rachel Wise's presentation?

Rachel Wise's presentation focuses on 14 strategies to help children with ADHD, although many of these strategies can also benefit any child with challenging behaviors.

Why do children with ADHD often struggle in school?

Children with ADHD often struggle in school because they may have difficulty following directions, sticking to routines, staying seated, and completing tasks, among other challenges. These behaviors are not willful defiance but rather a result of their condition, which can lead to punishment and further frustration.

How can punishment affect children with ADHD?

Punishment can worsen the behavior of children with ADHD. Being punished for actions they cannot control can lower their self-esteem, increase frustration, and cause behaviors to escalate rather than improve.

What are some common characteristics of children with ADHD?

Children with ADHD may have difficulty following directions, controlling impulses, concentrating for long periods, remembering steps in a routine, staying organized, and keeping still or seated.

How can parents advocate for their child with ADHD at school?

Parents can advocate for their child by working with the teacher, administrator, and guidance counselor to help them understand the child's symptoms and ensure the child is supported rather than punished for behaviors they may not be able to control.

What resources can schools use to support teachers in managing students with ADHD?

Schools can involve guidance counselors, peer buddies, and administrators, and they can exhaust other resources such as special education evaluations to support teachers in managing students with ADHD.

What is a 504 plan and when is it used for children with ADHD?

A 504 plan is used for children with a medical diagnosis of ADHD (or a condition like anxiety or depression) if their disability interferes with academic progress but doesn't require special education. It provides accommodations to help them succeed in school.

What are some specific strategies for helping children with ADHD stay organized?

Teachers can guide students with ADHD in organizing their materials by giving explicit instructions, supervising the process, and providing regular check-ins. As students become more independent, the checks can be gradually reduced.

Why is it important to phrase classroom directives in the positive for children with ADHD?

Phrasing directives positively (e.g., 'raise your hand' instead of 'stop calling out') helps children with ADHD better understand what is expected of them and encourages compliance without focusing on negative behavior.

How can movement breaks benefit students with ADHD?

Movement breaks allow students with ADHD to release excess energy, helping them to stay focused during class. Examples include standing up and stretching, running an errand, or using a wobble seat or standing desk.