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10 strategies for managing children with ADHD in the classroom
Here are 10 ADHD-friendly strategies to address and manage impulsive behaviour and distractions that you, and teachers in your child's school, can use to help manage your child's ADHD behaviour.
1. Set a clear routine
Minimise disruptions by setting a clear routine and building in transition time. This gives students with ADHD a sense of control over their day, which leads to better behaviour.
2. Mute distractions
Do what you can to minimise external distractions.
3. Get their attention
Try anything that will keep all eyes and attention on you.
4. Repeat, repeat, repeat
After assigning work, have several students repeat it, and then have the class say it in unison. This gives students with ADHD more opportunities to hear it and is a good way to drill instructions into the heads of students without ADHD as well.
5. Redirect attention when it strays
Find ways of redirecting the attention of the student who's distracted.
6. Say what you mean
Explain exactly what good behaviour looks like because telling a child to “behave” or “be good” is too vague. For example:
7. Show good behaviours
Posting visual reminders helps kids with ADHD remember the rules.
8. Offer brief, sincere praise
Be sure to offer positive feedback when kids with ADHD are well behaved or stay focused.
9. Keep a child on task and in their seat
Make sure the necessary tools are available so students can work independently without excuses.
10. Let fidgety students move around
Movement helps kids with ADHD hit the reset button and focus.
1. Set a clear routine
Minimise disruptions by setting a clear routine and building in transition time. This gives students with ADHD a sense of control over their day, which leads to better behaviour.
- Write the day’s schedule on the blackboard, and cross them out as they are completed.
- Alert the class in advance if there are revisions.
- Use a timer to help transitions between activities, and give five- and two-minute warnings, so kids have time to stop doing one thing and start another.
2. Mute distractions
Do what you can to minimise external distractions.
- Seat a child with ADHD close to the teacher, and away from doors or windows.
- Surround her with students who are good role models, and away from students with challenging or distracting behaviour.
- Allow her to use earphones or earplugs to block distractions while working on homework or tests (to avoid singling out children with ADHD, make these available to all students).
3. Get their attention
Try anything that will keep all eyes and attention on you.
- Vary the pitch and volume of your voice.
- Tap on glass or use a bell before giving assignments or making important announcements.
- Use props — for example, a butterfly net if you’re assigning a project on nature.
- Encourage participation and interaction such as asking students to raise their hands when you ask them a question.
4. Repeat, repeat, repeat
After assigning work, have several students repeat it, and then have the class say it in unison. This gives students with ADHD more opportunities to hear it and is a good way to drill instructions into the heads of students without ADHD as well.
- Give both oral and written instructions, so kids with ADHD don’t have to remember everything.
- When giving written instructions, ask the students to colour, highlight, or underline keywords.
5. Redirect attention when it strays
Find ways of redirecting the attention of the student who's distracted.
- Give nonverbal cues, such as standing close by, making eye contact, or patting her on the shoulder.
- To help build confidence, ask a question that you know they can answer.
6. Say what you mean
Explain exactly what good behaviour looks like because telling a child to “behave” or “be good” is too vague. For example:
- “Keep your hands at your side when waiting in line”.
- “Take out your books and sit quietly”.
7. Show good behaviours
Posting visual reminders helps kids with ADHD remember the rules.
- Write out classroom rules, such as “Respect Others” and “Use an Indoor Voice”, on colourful paper, and put them somewhere where everyone can see them easily.
- Place cards with messages like, “Raise hands before speaking,” on desks as an extra reminder.
- Use an abacus to track interruptions by moving a bead each time a student speaks out of turn.
8. Offer brief, sincere praise
Be sure to offer positive feedback when kids with ADHD are well behaved or stay focused.
- Be specific about their good behaviour by saying things like: “you’re being very patient — thanks for waiting your turn!”
- Or just say, “Nice job” or give him a thumbs up.
9. Keep a child on task and in their seat
Make sure the necessary tools are available so students can work independently without excuses.
- Give them a specific set of instructions.
- Make sure directions are clear and understood before sending a child to work independently.
- Get them to create a written task card, checklist, or things-to-do sheet and have them cross out each task as they complete it.
- Assign a study buddy to students who might need help.
10. Let fidgety students move around
Movement helps kids with ADHD hit the reset button and focus.
- Ask a child to perform a task, like cleaning the blackboard or straightening a bookshelf.
- Allow them to get a drink of water or go to the bathroom.
- If this is not practical, playing quietly with a small object can help students with ADHD focus on the main task. A fidget toy can be as simple as a squeeze ball or a rubber band.
