Teaching students with ADHD can be challenging. They require more one-on-one attention and may act out in class more often than other students. However, there are ways to help them succeed. And, with the right tools and strategies, you can make a big difference in their education.
In today’s post, we’ll share some tips on how to teach elementary students with ADHD. And afterward, you’ll be able to teach them more effectively and help them achieve their full potential.
Teaching Tips for Students With ADHD
Start with a positive attitude and be patient
The most important thing you can do when teaching students with ADHD is to have a positive attitude. They need to feel that you believe in them and that you’re patient. They’ll make mistakes and they’ll have days when they just don’t want to cooperate. But if you keep a positive attitude, they’ll respond in kind.
Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps
One of the best ways to help students with ADHD is to break down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you’re teaching a lesson on fractions, don’t try to cover everything at once. Start with the basics and build up to more complex concepts. Try to focus on one task at a time and give students plenty of time to master it before moving on. This will help them feel more successful and less overwhelmed. With each step being mastered one at a time, they’re confidence will soar and they’ll be much easier to teach.
Set clear expectations and provide frequent feedback
When you’re teaching students with ADHD, it’s important to set clear expectations. Let them know what you expect from them in terms of behavior and work. And be sure to provide feedback often. This can be positive or negative, but it should always be honest. Students with ADHD need to know what they’re doing well and where they need to improve. Just be gentle with any negative feedback. ADHD is already a tough experience so don’t make it worse by going overboard with the criticism.
Be prepared for distractions and help your student stay on track
Students with ADHD are easily distracted. So, it’s important to be prepared for them and have a plan to help your student stay on track. For example, you might give them a signal when it’s time to refocus on the task at hand. You could use a simple clap, or a snap, and then follow it up with something like, “Okay! Let’s focus!” This should be sufficient to get their attention and getting them back to work.
Encourage them to take breaks when needed
Students with ADHD often need to take breaks more frequently than others. So it’s important to encourage them to take breaks when they need it. This might mean letting them get up and move around the room or providing a small snack. The key is to let them know that it’s okay to take a break and that you’re there to support them. They’ll be more likely to stay on task if they know they can take a break and let their brain recharge when needed.
Celebrate their successes!
Finally, don’t forget to celebrate your students’ successes. They’ll have days when they feel like they can’t do anything right. But when they succeed, be sure to let them know you noticed and that you’re proud of them. This will help them feel good about themselves and encourage them to keep trying. Additionally, try to provide positive reinforcement often. This can be in the form of verbal praise, stickers, or small prizes. Whatever you do, make sure you let your students know that you see their successes and that you’re proud of them.
Conclusion
These are just a few tips on how to teach elementary students with ADHD. With the right approach, you can make a big difference in their education. And you’ll find that teaching them can be rewarding and enjoyable. So don’t give up and keep trying! You’ll be glad you did.
Something else you can do to improve their confidence is improving their typing skills. The best way to do that is by using the typing programs found at KeyboardingOnline. They’ll get a wide range of typing exercises and tutorials that will help students improve their typing skills.