Some successful
practical strategies to help students with ADHD (White, 2005):
- Try to increase students’ self-esteem and confidence, as it is often low
- Put a positive spin on the characteristics of ADHD (e.g. talkative=friendly, vocal, articulate; hyperactive=motivated, energized)
- Children with ADHD are often very creative and artistic, so let these abilities show in their work
- Give students the opportunity to do things that interest them
- Be specific when giving directions and feedback
- Teach and encourage good, healthy nutrition habits - this will give students necessary energy
- Minimize distractions
- Teach children that tantrums are inappropriate ways to deal with anger
- Teach children to identify their feelings in order to effectively problem solve
- Examples of good cues to help a child focus when reading are using a bookmark or running one’s finger under the line as he/she reads
- Do not take away recesses as a consequence of inappropriate behaviour – children with ADHD need recess time to get rid of excess energy
- Encourage students to stop, wait, and think before making decisions – it is not a race