As a parent, you want to ensure your child has the best possible learning experience. But what if your child has ADHD? What does ADHD look like in the classroom? In this blog post, we’ll explore the common signs of ADHD in a school setting and provide actionable tips to help your child succeed. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Recognizing the Signs: What Does ADHD Look Like in the Classroom?
ADHD can manifest differently in each child, but there are some common signs that you might notice in the classroom. These include:
- Difficulty paying attention or staying focused on tasks
- Frequent fidgeting or restlessness
- Impulsive behavior, such as interrupting others or acting without thinking
- Difficulty following instructions or completing assignments
- Forgetfulness and disorganization
It’s important to remember that these behaviors are not necessarily indicative of a lack of effort or intelligence. Rather, they are symptoms of a neurodivergent brain that processes information differently. By understanding what ADHD looks like in the classroom, you can better support your child and work with their teachers to create a more inclusive learning environment.
Read more: Teacher's Guide: Speccial Ed Classroom Setup
Supporting Your Child: Strategies for Success
Now that you have a better understanding of what ADHD looks like in the classroom, let’s explore some strategies to help your child thrive academically.
Create a Structured Environment
Kids with ADHD often benefit from a structured environment with clear expectations and routines. Work with your child’s teacher to establish consistent daily schedules and routines for tasks like homework and studying. This can help your child stay on track and reduce feelings of being overwhelmed.
Here are some ideas for creating a structured environment:
- Establish a designated homework area free from distractions
- Set a consistent homework schedule, including breaks
- Use visual schedules or checklists to help your child stay organized
- Encourage your child to break tasks into smaller steps and set goals for completion
Build Custom Printable Visual Schedules
Is your child having trouble managing their routines? Here’s a free visual schedule builder. Goally’s custom tool allows you to create printable personalized schedules that motivate your child to focus on their tasks. Perfect for morning, homework, and bedtime routines, this free visual schedule builder is easy to use and will help your child reach their full potential.
Click below to make your CUSTOM printable visual schedule! 👇
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large tasks can be daunting for kids with ADHD. Breaking assignments into smaller, manageable steps can make them feel more achievable. Encourage your child’s teacher to provide clear, step-by-step instructions and offer support as needed.
| Large Task | Smaller Steps |
|---|---|
| Write a book report | 1. Choose a book 2. Read the book 3. Take notes on key points 4. Write an outline 5. Write the report |
| Complete a science project | 1. Choose a topic 2. Research the topic 3. Develop a hypothesis 4. Design an experiment 5. Conduct the experiment 6. Analyze the results 7. Write a report |
Read more: 5 Autism Teaching Strategies for Your Classroom
Use Visual Aids and Organizational Tools
Visual aids, such as charts and calendars, can help kids with ADHD stay organized and focused. Encourage your child to use these tools to keep track of assignments, due dates, and other important information.
Some helpful organizational tools include:
- Wall calendars or planners
- Color-coded folders or binders
- Checklists or to-do lists
- Apps or other digital tools designed specifically for neurodivergent kids
Offer Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator for kids with ADHD. Praise your child’s efforts and accomplishments, both big and small. This can help boost their self-esteem and encourage them to continue working hard.
Examples of positive reinforcement include:
- Verbal praise (“Great job on your math homework!”)
- Small rewards (stickers, extra screen time)
- Celebrating milestones (completing a big project, improving grades)
- Encouraging your child to share their successes with others (family, friends)
Encourage Movement and Exercise
Physical activity has been shown to improve focus and reduce symptoms of ADHD. Encourage your child to participate in regular exercise or movement breaks throughout the day. This can help them release excess energy and improve their ability to concentrate in the classroom.
Some ideas for incorporating movement and exercise include:
- Scheduled movement breaks during homework time
- Participation in sports or other physical activities
- Short walks or bike rides after school
- In-class movement breaks (e.g., stretching, yoga)
Read more: Visual Schedules for Students With Autism
Collaborating with Teachers: Building a Supportive Team
Effective communication between parents and teachers is crucial for supporting kids with ADHD in the classroom. Here are some tips for building a strong partnership:
- Keep the lines of communication open: Regularly check in with your child’s teacher to discuss progress, challenges, and strategies for success.
- Share information about your child’s strengths, interests, and needs: This can help the teacher better understand how to support your child in the classroom.
- Be proactive in addressing concerns: If you notice a change in your child’s behavior or academic performance, reach out to the teacher to discuss potential solutions.
- Collaborate on accommodations: Work together to identify and implement appropriate accommodations, such as extra time on tests or preferential seating, to help your child succeed.
Remember, you and your child’s teacher are both working towards the same goal: helping your child succeed academically. By collaborating and maintaining open communication, you can create a supportive team that will benefit your child in the long run.
Empowering Your Child: Fostering Independence and Self-Advocacy
As your child grows, it’s important to help them develop the skills they need to advocate for themselves and navigate the challenges of ADHD. Encourage your child to:
- Understand their diagnosis: Help your child learn about ADHD and how it affects their learning. This can empower them to take ownership of their needs and seek support when necessary.
- Practice self-awareness: Encourage your child to recognize their strengths and challenges, as well as strategies that help them succeed.
- Communicate their needs: Teach your child how to effectively communicate their needs and preferences to teachers and peers.
- Develop problem-solving skills: Help your child learn how to identify problems, brainstorm solutions, and take action to address challenges.
By fostering independence and self-advocacy, you can help your child build the skills they need to navigate the challenges of ADHD both in and out of the classroom.
Evidence shows that kids learn best when they’re having fun. Many teachers recommend using learning tech like Goally to engage with kids in a way they love.
In the classroom, Goally can help kids with:
- Following directions by providing visual and verbals supports to help them understand each task.
- Staying on task by providing timers and reminders to help them stay focused.
- Communicating with their teachers and peers through the AAC Talker app that allows them to express wants and needs.
- Identifying and regulating their emotions before children have a meltdown because they are overstimulated.
Goally’s distraction-free kid’s tablet can be used as a therapy tool to help teach executive function, language, emotional regulation, finger dexterity skills, and more!
Final Thoughts
Understanding what ADHD looks like in the classroom is the first step in helping your child succeed academically. By implementing supportive strategies, collaborating with teachers, and fostering independence and self-advocacy, you can empower your neurodivergent child to thrive in school and beyond.
This post was originally published on 05/07/2023. It was updated on 08/14/2023.
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