by Mayflor Markusic

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: July 10, 2008

Math is a challenging subject, even for students who don't suffer from ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But it is not true that students with ADHD could not learn Math concepts. For the mainstream classroom that happens to include one or several students that have been diagnosed with ADHD, here are some useful specific tips for the Math teacher.

Keep the classroom environment organized. There is more chance for the ADHD student to focus on the math topic when there are fewer distractions. This is why the classroom should always be in order. This goes without saying that the ADHD student should be seated in an area where distractions are lesser. Avoid placing these special students near the window or near the doors.

Assist the ADHD student to organize his/her school work. When the student knows where to retrieve his/her activity book for mathematics, there is less stress endured. With less stress endured, the ADHD student can increase focus on the math topic. With organized schoolwork, there is greater chance for the ADHD student to perform better. The way to organize schoolwork will depend on the preferences of the teacher. For example, some teachers utilize colors while others utilize shaped tags. For assignments, some teachers like to use a separate assignment book.

Demonstrate to the ADHD student how to effectively use the pencil or his/her fingers in reading a short paragraph. This skill is very useful when the student is attempting to solve word problems.

Utilize graphing paper. This simple tool is essential for the ADHD student to ensure that the number he/she writes are organized and in proper columns.

Break the math lesson into smaller sub-lessons. The keyword for the math teacher in determining the appropriateness of the depth and breadth of a particular lesson is "attainability."

Ensure that instructions are clear. The instructions for a math activity should be both clear and concise. This will lessen misunderstanding on the part of the student. If the instruction is complex, the math teacher should endeavor to break this instruction into shorter and easily understandable parts.

Implement recurrent breaks. One of the problems that math teachers are up against is the lack of prolonged attention in the ADHD students. Keeping these students on tasks for longer periods of time will not produce positive results. The better way is to implement frequent breaks.

The above tips can also be used by Math teachers in self-contained classrooms. These tips can be expanded or improved in ways that will be suitable to the classroom's unique situation and responsive to the ADHD student's needs. For more information and tips on teaching ADHD students, the following websites can be visited:

1. Messiah College for classroom teaching tips and parenting ADHD children (URL: http://home.messiah.edu/~mh1250/ADHDmainpage.html)
2. The Family Village Library for intensive information about ADHD (URL: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/lib_adhd.htm)
3. Brighthub for teaching tips as well as educational technologies for ADHD students (URL: http://www.brighthub.com/Education/Special/articles/ 2129.aspx)
4. The Westfield Academy for a teacher's view of teaching ADHD students (URL: http://www.westfieldacademy.org/adhd/)
5. Comeunity for parents and teachers who work together in helping ADHD students develop social skills (URL: http://www.comeunity.com/disability/adhd/adhd-social skills.html)

ADHD students can do well in school. There are many evidences of this belief. With medical technology helping the students cope with their symptoms, the teacher can focus on mastering techniques that will assist the ADHD students to perform better academically.

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