A child or young person with a diagnosis of ADHD can face a range of challenges in accessing learning and the community. Here are 5 evidence based ADHD teaching strategies to help reduce these barriers in your school.
The ADHD classroom strategies listed below have been informed by “Managing ADHD in School” by Russell Barkley.
I highly recommend this book.
This book includes:
* More than 100 evidence based recommendations for teachers to use
* Effective reward systems
* Downloadable resources
* Information on Medications
* Tips for teen management
Strategy 1: Externalise Information
Minimise environmental distractors. Use physical reminders for tasks such as cards, notes, lists. Use recording devices and headphones to remind the child of the information and task being worked upon.
Strategy 2: Glucose and Learning
There is evidence to suggest that small bursts of glucose can help a child with an ADHD diagnosis to maintain concentration longer. Consider using snacks to meet this need.
Strategy 3: Physical Breaks
Getting out and moving around can have a real impact on concentration. Build these breaks in on a regular basis to help maintain learning periods.
Strategy 4 – Changing Motivators
Children with ADHD diagnosis’ need regularly changing rewards systems to keep things fresh. This can be difficult, but making small changes to systems led by a young person can have a real impact.
Strategy 5 – Self affirming statements
Self affirming statements of efficacy can really help to build confidence in a child’s ability to complete a task. Further to this, building an evidence bank of skills already achieved (breaking things down into microskills and documenting unlocked achievements – a sort of gamification of learning) can further help this confidence building.
