by Sun Meilan

Created on: March 21, 2013   Last Updated: March 22, 2013

According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD as it is more commonly called, is “a health condition involving biologically active substances in the brain. Studies show that ADHD may affect certain areas of the brain that allow us to solve problems, plan ahead, understand others’ actions, and control our impulses.” The Academy website goes on to say that, in a class of around 25-30 children, it is probable that

at least one child will have ADHD. As a result, it is vital that all teachers of school-age children understand what ADHD is and how best to help such a student.

Common symptoms of ADHD

No two children with ADHD will exhibit exactly the same symptoms. However, the most common symptoms are hyperactivity, inattention and impulsive behaviour. This can make a child difficult to manage, particularly for several hours in one go. Even worse, the behaviour of a child with ADHD can have a knock-on effect on the other children in the class, who will, at the very least, be distracted from what they should be doing.

Teaching strategies

Fortunately, there are a number of teaching strategies that can allow teachers to give students with ADHD the best possible education, while managing their behaviour at the same time. Of course, each student is different and any guidelines must be modified to suit, but the following strategies should be of value:  

Break instructions into chunks – Most children find it difficult to follow instructions at one time or another, but for a student with ADHD, it may be difficult to follow any kind of instructions. Rather than standing at the front of the class and reeling off a list of tasks, break the tasks down into manageable chunks and write them down in clear language on the whiteboard, or on a piece of paper to give to the student, so that he can digest it in his own time. Tick the tasks off as they have been achieved

Placement in the classroom - Placement of a student with ADHD in the classroom can be critical. If he is sitting next to the window or door, he is bound to be distracted by what is going on outside of the classroom. Instead, it is advisable to seat him near the front of the class so that you can communicate easily and keep his attention. If the class is split up into groups for activities, try to keep his group relatively small; if there are too many other students, the distractions could be too much.

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