Children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) can struggle in the classroom, and they tend to have more hurdles to overcome than other students. ADHD impacts a student’s ability to concentrate, sit still and control their impulses. All of this can make it difficult for a student to learn and grow academically, meaning many children with ADHD fall behind. Luckily, there are things that teachers can do to make the classroom a more productive and inclusive place for those with ADHD.

Helping Children with ADHD in the Classroom

There are a range of things that teachers can do to help children with ADHD in the classroom. For example, by rewarding positive behaviour with reward systems or report cards. This can encourage students with ADHD to behave in a more constructive way, which can help them to stay engaged and focused academically. It’s also beneficial for teachers to help students to stay organised, by teaching time management and planning skills, aimed at keeping school work organised and reducing distractions.

A lot of children with ADHD benefit from accommodations in the classroom. For example, by being allowed extra time on tests, positive reinforcement, feedback and assignments that are tailored to them. There’s also a lot of technology out there to help students with ADHD with various tasks, and giving students the opportunity to burn off some steam.

Tips for Teachers Managing ADHD in the Classroom 

• Focus on positive behaviour and provide feedback when students are behaving well.
• Make assignments as clear as possible, and ensure the student understands what they need to do.
• Be aware of the impact that ADHD can have on emotions, such as making it difficult to regulate emotions.
• Children with ADHD tend to prefer shorter assignments, and they are more likely to struggle with tasks that are repetitive.
• Know that children with ADHD can become hyper focused on a specific activity, and they may need extra help moving from one task to another.
• Minimise classroom distractions and encourage students to stay organised.

It’s always a good idea to develop a learning plan that supports the individual child. Observe, speak and work with them to find an approach that is tailored to their needs. Find out what distracts them, and remove those distractions. If there is anything that will help them to concentrate - for example, listening to music or moving around - try to incorporate that into the lesson.