ADHD in the Classroom

By. Bethany Drees

My Story

• Reasons for interest

• My definition

• How I want to use the information

Definition/Symptoms

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

A chronic condition that affects millions of children (one of the most common childhood disorders) and often persists into adulthood.

ADHD includes a combination of problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, troubled relationships and poor performance in school.

Mayo Clinic

Their Feelings

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmM5sm8wYQQ

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHT3RKw1LAE

Seen In the Classroom

School setting requires: Sit still. Listen quietly. Pay attention. Follow instructions. Concentrate.

• demand attention by talking out of turn/moving around the room

• trouble following instructions

• forget to write down homework assignments, do them, or bring completed work to school

• trouble with operations that require ordered steps, such as long division or solving equations

• don’t pull their weight during group work and may even keep a group from accomplishing its task

Tips for Teachers• Schedule- have a daily routine and have a schedule visual for

them

• Organized- keep things in the same place in classroom, have them use a planner for homework and folders, allow time for them to organize

• Rules- have consistent clear rules in place and posted

• Give praise/rewards- reinforce the positive behavior they do

• Seating- away from distractions and keep focus on the teacher

• Instructions- repeat (if needed), use visuals, create outlines for note-taking

• Class Work- a quiet area, WS & tests with fewer items, divide up longer projects into sections

School Counselor Support

• Fidget Items- rubber/stress balls, seat cushion, workout bands, Velcro, tennis balls, lap buddies, pencil grippers, gum, podium access

• Supervision- “time out” area, energy release activities, reward center, quiet space

• List of interventions to try- with resources (token economy system, behavior charts, positive reinforcement ideas)

• Resources- templates, notebooks, organizational materials, contracts, schedules, charts, games

• Emotional support for teachers and parents

References• National Institute of Health. (n.d.). Attention Deficit Hyperactivity

Disorder (ADHD). In National Institute of Health Website. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd/index.shtml

• HelpGuide.org. (n.d.). Teaching Students with ADHD. In A Trusted Non-profit Resource. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/teaching_tips_add_adhd.htm

• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2013, March). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. In Mayo Clinic. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/adhd/basics/definition/con-20023647

• LD Online. (1998). Helping the Student with ADHD in the Classroom: Strategies for Teachers. In The World Leading Website on Learning Disabilities and ADHD. Retrieved June 9, 2014, from http://www.ldonline.org/article/5911/

References (Cont.)

• Scholastic Instructor. (n.d.). 10 Common Challenges and Best Practices for Teaching Students With ADHD. In Scholastic. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/10-common-challenges-and-best-practices-teaching-students-adhd

• List of Appropriate School-Based Accommodations and Interventions. (n.d.). Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.insource.org/pdf/504accom.pdf

• Compiled by School Psychologists and Social Workers North Branford. (2004, September). Interventions and Strategies for Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. A Handbook for Teachers and Parents. In North Branford Schools. Retrieved June 10, 2014, from http://www.northbranfordschools.org/images/customer-files/adhdbooklet.pdf