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Tips for Teaching ADHD Students
(An excerpt from the Fall 2009 LDAC Newsletter)
Gordon Bullivant, Executive Director of the Foothills Academy Society (a centre for students with LD and ADD) in Calgary, broke down the characteristics of ADHD—excitability, hypoactivity, hyperactivity, inattention and impulsiveness—into recognizable symptoms and then explained that the same symptoms may also lead to other diagnoses, such as sensory deficits, allergies, anaemia, lack of maturity or even social/behavioural/emotional problems.
With these symptoms in mind, Bullivant recommended ways in which teachers could manage classes that contain overactive, restless ADHD children. Essentially, he recommended balancing structure and flexibility, however, he gave a long list of individual suggestions among which were:
- Provide a consistent routine and short work periods;
- Give clear rules and directions using both pictures and words. Avoid complex sentences;
- Provide incentives for improvement;
- Be positive: tell the student what he should be doing, recognize accomplishments;
- Schedule academic tasks for the morning;
- Minimize noises or other stimuli when teaching new concepts;
- Repeat instructions often;
- Provide an extra set of textbooks for home;
- Preview new concepts at the beginning of a lesson and review them at the end to reinforce learning;
- Provide legitimate opportunities for physical movement;
- Encourage the student to ask questions and establish a positive feeling about asking questions and repetition.