Notes for teachers with ADHD students

abcsofadhd:

A trainer at the special education centre asked me to take a list of thing that can help teach people with ADHD. I’ve sent the list across but I’m posting it here too. If anyone has any more suggestions, please throw it down and I can make a list of them and send it too. 

• Please remember that people with ADHD have
  memory problems. While a lot of it improves when taking medication, memory
  worsens as the person get disinterested.

• Positive reinforcements rather than negative ones please. ADHD makes you VERY sensitive to criticism of any kind (which can further disrupt work). As we rarely get positive feedback, a compliment for a job well done can do wonders for motivation. 

• Please allow the student to rock back and forth or take a short walk if required. A fidget cube/ spinner might do wonders.

• People with ADHD tend to have a wonderful sense of humour so jokes of any kind will help them refocus if their attention is drifting.

• Relate back the topic being taught to something they might be interested in; it doesn’t need to be in-depth, simply pointing out how the work relates to their interests might help them understand/ appreciate it better.

• Group work/ discussion can be very helpful (as long as its kept on track). It will also allow the more anxious folks to speak their mind without fear of being teased.

• Roles models are KEY. Your self-esteem plummets when you have ADHD so telling them about previous students or relevant celebrities with ADHD will help them understand that they can thrive.