ADHD In the Classroom
Written assignment and in-class work strategies helpful when dealing with students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder
A list of strategies to use when teaching children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd) on writing assignments and in-class work.
This is a list of tips for teachers of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), addressing the writing and in-class assignments. Not all these strategies will work for every child or every teacher. Don't be afraid to try something and then admit it doesn't work. That's why there's a list of different things! Go ahead and try different things until you find what works for both you and the child.
Written Assignments and In-Class Work:
1. Let students with ADHD set their own pace. Avoid pressuring students about speed and accuracy.
2. Teach students how to move on to easier parts of the task or do a separate task while waiting for assistance.
3. Teach students how to cross out answers on a multiple-choice test.
4. Teach older students how to take notes from an oral presentation and a book.
Use computers to structure learning and increase motivation.
5. Provide a variety of experiences to talk about words and develop an understanding of connotative as well as denotative meaning.
6. Assist the transition from oral to written language. Experiences are reported to the teacher, who writes them in the student's own words. Once the story is written down, it is read aloud to the students. Eventually, students will begin to understand the written language process.
7. Consider separating the content from the mechanics. The two can be evaluated separately.
8. Consider requiring and evaluating, but not grading the rough draft. Teachers can make positive comments, note errors, and make suggestions for further improvement.
9. Accept non-written forms for reports (i.e. displays, oral, projects).
10. Accept use of typewriters, word processors, and tape recorders.
11. Do not assign large quantity of written work. Assign larger projects in shorter bits with deadlines.
12. Let groups discuss topics and select a reporter to give feedback to a large group.
For more teaching strategies, see my pages on classroom environment, teaching style, and
