Additional Tips
- ADHD is very important because it can be found in all schools. Students with ADHD not only have difficulty staying on task themselves, but they can also be a distraction to other students. This is why it's important for educators to follow specific lesson plans and instructions, which can be found on the next two pages.
- When introducing new lessons, first review previous lessons. Also set learning and behavioral expectations before even beginning the new lesson. It's important to also state the needed materials ahead of time and explain additional resources such as what page number the lesson is on. Also be sure to simplify the instructions because the simpler the expectations are communicated the more likely the student is to complete the assignment in a timely and productive manner.
- When conducting the lesson, be predictable. Structure and consistency are very important for children with ADHD and many do not deal well with change. Minimal rules and minimal choices are best for these children. They need to understand clearly what is expected of them, as well as the consequences for not adhering to expectations. Also, do things to support student participation in the classroom, ask probing questions, and use audiovisual information. It's important for educators to do everything they can to help the child stay focused. Do things like lowering the noise level, highlight key points, and divide work into smaller, less complex tasks.