The In on ADHD

There are some warning signs that are considered red flags in a child when diagnosing children with any diagnosis. The warning signs differ from child to child, age and from boy to girl. Some of the symptoms start as early as age two and three. Boys tend to show more

symptoms of being hyperactive while girls are more inattentive. However the common warning signs are not being able to focus and/or sit still. Further signs are not being able to follow instructions, often appearing to be daydreaming, having difficulty organizing, often forgetful, and easily distracted. Some of the hyperactivity signs are fidgeting, having difficulty remaining seated, interrupting others, and having trouble waiting for their turn in a classroom/ at home.

After realizing these warning signs there are many ways that teachers and parents can work together to do the best they can for the child with ADHD. Parents need to keep communication open with the teachers about their child that has ADHD. Parents and teachers need to work together to develop goals and plans for the child to learn at his or her best. Once the parents and teachers are comfortable talking and meeting with each other, the plan they develop can be put into action. One of these plans is called a behavioral plan which can be found on the website Center for Children and Families, which is called The Dailey Report Card.

After talking to parents there are tips and strategies for the teacher to use in the classroom.  When children get distracted easily, the teacher can create lesson plans that involve more movement, and if the work is supposed to take a long time, break the work up into shorter

chunks. When a child interrupts in the classroom it is actually a very sensitive case to handle. If the child is scolded it could affect their self-esteem.  Teachers should very discreetly inform the child that he/she is interrupting the class. Also when the child does not interrupt the class the teacher should praise them.  Another strategy is about the impulse control of the children. Teachers can tape the class schedule near the student with ADHD, and when their impulse control is badly towards other children consequences should be taken immediately. However praise should be taken immediately and out loud when a child does something good.  One of hardest for teachers that have children with ADHD in their classrooms is the aspect of the fidgeting and being hyperactive. Some strategies for teachers with children that can not sit still would be to provide lesson plans with movement. Other ways is to ask the child to “run errands” such as walking across the room to grab a book or sharpen pencils. Also encourage the child to take part in a sport, to exercise before and after school and make sure they never miss recess and/ or physical education.

Some children may have difficulties with instructions, homework and some academic subjects such as reading and math. When the child is having difficulty following instructions the teacher can give simple step by step instructions, and calmly remind the child to stay on task. There are steps for helping the child at home with homework. Teachers can create color coded folders labeled unfinished and finished homework. Also the teacher can help the child create checklists for what they need to complete at home. One of the academic subjects that the child may struggle with is reading. The teacher can make this fun and interesting for the child with ADHD by creating story acting and having the child make predictions about what will happen in the story the class is reading.  Another subject area the child may struggle with is mathematics.

When teaching mathematics, the teacher can create fun math games that involve pictures and simple terminology. These are just some simple and basic strategies that teachers can use and discuss with the parents that will benefit the children.

In conclusion teachers, parents and children are affected by the diagnosis of ADHD. There are many tips and strategies that can be found online for parents and teachers that will help the child it education.  ADHD can not be cured but there are ways to less the severity of ADHD and to make school a fun and welcoming place for the child with ADHD. The children with ADHD are not just that, they are amazing people with big hearts that just want to fit in like everyone else.