Kids With ADHD In The Classroom

By Timothy Taylor


ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects nearly five million children in the USA only. This brain disorder causes difficulties with concentration, attention and self-control, but it also affects children's self-esteem. The largest problems start in school, with children with ADHD in the classroom, especially when teachers are not adequately prepared to deal with them.

The symptoms can be recognized quite early. They cannot concentrate on anything for a longer period of time, they switch from one activity to the other frequently, they rarely finish with any task given, or simply talk all the time. Some may run or jump in place, unable to control themselves, others lose their toys or other things all the time, or forget things.

Including the lack of patience, all these symptoms usually cause different problems in school. The fact is that there is no real cure for this disorder, but things can get better when different therapies are used, including various medications, psychotherapies or the combination of these treatments. Combining medication and psycho social therapy is considered to be the best approach, according to medical experts in this field.

Anyway, there are some things the teacher can do to make their learning more successful. Creating positive, calm and predictable environment in their classrooms is something that will certainly have a very good effect on such children. Ordered environment and the teacher who is aware of their needs and provides clear and understandable rules and instructions, this can make a great difference.

Getting to know each and every kid and understanding any specific need is essential for any teacher. This includes talking to the parents as well. Every kid is unique, and it is good to know which methods were successful earlier. This approach is highly efficient, although it does require more time. Anyway, more time spent in the beginning will result with less problems in the future.

These kids have specific problems, but it is also important to recognize their potentials, their special talents or skills, and it is especially important to notice and reward their efforts and successes. There are several rewarding systems, for example stars, or points, that might make them more interested in learning or following different rules. Music and calming colors also have a great effect.

Involving physical activities during classes is another proven method for keeping children active and motivated. Just a simple exercise during the class may be a good thing to distress them. The teacher has to explain them why now is a good time for stretching the muscles a bit and after that will be a good time for learning. Simple and understandable rules with appropriate explanations are easier to accept.

Using a gentle tone is also a must. Yelling will do nothing, and can even make things worst. Another really useful thing is to divide lessons into several segments. This makes them easier to understand, especially when there are some simple questions about every single segment before proceeding with this lesson. This will keep their concentration on the higher level. If some kid just have to have additional physical activity, sometimes it's for the best to provide it.




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