BLOG

5 Tips For Facilitating An ADHD-Friendly Classroom

23rd June 2021

With the speedy expansion of inclusive classrooms worldwide, the need for creating an ADHD-friendly classroom has become stronger. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is real and the sooner people distinguish the patterns and study to work with ADHD children, the easier it will be in early-intervention. "Try harder," "Pay attention," "Sit still", etc. are some of the common statements that we usually hear, isn’t it? Programs like ADHD course for teachers are preparing special educational needs teachers to be skilled enough to help children in a better way.

How Do ADHD Kids Learn Best?

According to Dr. Zentall, professor of Special Education at Purdue University, kids with ADHD search for variation and high-interest actions. ADHD children usually learn best with an engaging & active curriculum. Integrating different physical movements along with motor activity increases accomplishments.

Additionally, children with ADHD often benefit from selections rather than exclusively teacher-directed tasks. With their distinctive inquisitiveness, these children have a great potential for education. Now, you must be thinking what’s the problem in this? The concerning fact is that, a child with ADHD becomes bored easily and quickly. The longer ADHD kids have to attend to a task, the more encouragement they need. Social communications are often their most significant source of encouragement.

Learners with ADHD will possibly:

• Search for Attention
• Help in resolving troubles by following instructions
• ADHD children often forget to complete homework projects
• Often be short of fine motor control
• Possess troubles with long-term projects
• Have troubles in finding interest

Forming An ADHD-Friendly Classroom

For parents, and teachers as well, these practical strategies help kids with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to thrive -

• For providing the stimulation, you may include different movement among centres and seats, breaks between class activities, offer a choice of jobs and responsibilities and so on. For academic aptitude, teachers can create some self-paced works and implement visually appealing plan by including relevant colours. Use of games in teaching is also another great source of stimulation for ADHD children.
   
• As a skilled special education teacher, try to keep your classroom instructions clear and succinct. A teen with ADHD may find it helpful to have a list with the various set of regulations for just immediate suggestion. Also, educators should keep in mind that an ADHD kid may hear the words that are being said but they may misinterpret the meaning. That’s why ‘repeat back rule’ is often helpful to a child with ADHD. You can also carry different timers, taped time signals, or spoken signs.
   
• Student-centred learning a great way to accommodate a child with ADHD. The instructor generally maps out goals along with learning resources. Learners work in various small groups, with a partner, or autonomously. Moreover, hands-on happenings, small-group actions, webquests, and mini-lessons all can be cohesive as resources.
   
• Try to assimilate real-world skills into your lessons. It includes aptitudes like problem solving, time management, financial responsibility, personal liability, communication skills, public speaking, etc. Public speaking mostly integrates spoken presentation skills, storytelling, nonverbal communication and speaking fluency.
   
• To help children with ADHD, both teachers and parents can schedule some short movement meetings such as yoga, tai chi, Zumba, or a quick power walk. The exercise grounds the brain to release endorphins (happy hormones). Integrating different movement and mindfulness meditation helps ADHD children effectively.

Apart from all of the above-mentioned approaches, don’t forget to create a Positive & Supportive Learning Environment to lessen classroom distractions. ADHD course for teachers help educators to develop their teaching styles along with peer interaction skills. We understand that teaching a child with ADHD is thought-provoking, frustrating, and draining. Therefore, consider these strategies as fresh concepts.

Written By: Bindita Sinha