Learning Math for the ADHD Child
Math strategies helpful when dealing with students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or Attention Deficit Disorder
A list of strategies to help when teaching math to children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), also known as attention deficit disorder (add).
This is a list of tips for teachers of students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD), addressing mathematics. 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.
1. Color the processing sings on math tests for students who don't focus well on details and make careless errors due to inattention. For example, highlight: yellow=addition, green=subtraction, blue=multiplication. You can also make the signs bolder than the other text to make it stand out.
2. Allow calculator and multiplication charts/tables on math tests that are assessing problem-solving skills and not computation.
3. Provide manipulatives and number lines to help students visualize the problems.
4. Have students use calculators to check their work before handing it even if they had to do the work without one at first. Allow students to redo problems they got wrong and then average the two scores.
5. Allow plenty of time on math tests to ensure that students are not rushed which can result in careless errors. Make all students double check their work before turning it in. Give points for double-checking.
6. Have students use graph paper rather than notebook paper to solve computation problems and help with number alignment. You can find graph paper of varying square/grid sizes online.
7. If you don't want to use graph paper, have students write their problems sideways with the lines running vertically. This ensures that the students line up the numbers correctly and avoid careless errors.
8. Reduce the amount of copying necessary by photocopying the page or writing out the problems for certain students.
9. Remove individual pages from consumable workbooks rather than giving the entire workbook. Make sure the pages are punched and have students put them in a binder or folder before leaving class. (This is good for any handouts you pass out.)
10. Provide models of sample problems.
11. Consider grading by the number of correct problems over the number assigned.
12. Teach steps needed for solving problems and list these steps clearly for students to follow.
13. Teach students strategies how to solve word problems. Have them underline key words that indicate the process, draw pictures to help them visualize and reread each problem several times before starting.
14. Have students keep index cards with specific math skills, concepts, rules and algorithms taught. On the back of each card, have students write visual examples of the concept.
15. Use games for drills and practice. Computer games are especially effective for children with ADHD and ADD.
16. Teach the different finger tricks available for learning multiplication tables (6, 7, 8, and 9 have them).
17. Have students pair up and practice skills as often as possible.
18. Use mnemonics that are interesting rather than the old boring ones. Dead Monsters Smell Badly is funnier and more memorable than Dear Miss Sally Brown.
19. Give students extra copies of multiplication tables and number lines to keep at home so they are available when they are doing their homework. Make them available online if possible.
20. Put your teaching notes and examples online to help parents understand the homework if students need assistance. Sign up for Yahoo! Messenger or AIM and set aside some time each night you will be online to help students who are struggling.
For more strategies, check out other sections on classroom environment, teaching style, writing assignments and in-class work, homework, reading strategies, lecture rentention. and testing.
