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ADHD Academic Strategies

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a disorder that causes one to be overactive and to have a hard time paying attention. ADHD makes it difficult for a student to learn in a traditional classroom setting, so special academic strategies are needed. When certain strategies are put forth by teachers and parents, a child with ADHD can succeed academically.

  1. Proper Communication

    • It's important for the parents of the ADHD child to communicate with their child's teachers. Together, the parents and teachers should set goals for the student and discuss what strategies should be implemented. It's best to have ongoing communication throughout the school year to see which strategies are working and which are not.

    Behavioral Plan

    • Parents should come up with a behavioral plan for their ADHD child to follow at school. The behavioral plan should outline positive behaviors that the student should exhibit. Examples of positive behaviors are bringing all materials to class, staying seated during class, and not speaking when others are speaking. Put the behavioral plan on a large poster in the child's room, or print out the behavioral plan and put it in the student's backpack.

    Remove Distractions

    • Students with ADHD are more easily distracted than students who do not have ADHD. Teachers should be cognizant of this fact, and seat ADHD students away from windows and doors. Seats in areas with little foot traffic are best.

    Allow Movement

    • It is difficult for a student with ADHD to sit still for long periods of time. If the student is seated for too long, he will begin to get antsy and not be able to concentrate. Teachers can help by asking students with ADHD to run errands, like taking a note to another teacher. Parents can help by letting the student play outside before and after school.

    Homework

    • Teachers should clearly state homework assignments. It is also wise for the teacher to watch as the student writes the assignment down. This will help keep the student from forgetting. The student's parents should ask their child each day about homework assignments, as well as monitor their completion.

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