How to Handle Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children?

“Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder”

ADHD is a developmental disorder characterized by distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsive behaviour, and the inability to remain focused on tasks or activities. Signs of ADHD may begin to appear as early as age two or three, but the symptoms change as adolescence approaches.

Many symptoms, particularly hyperactivity, diminish in early adulthood, but impulsivity and inattention problems remain with up to 50% of ADHD individuals throughout their adult life. Children with ADHD have short attention spans, becoming easily bored or frustrated with tasks. Although they may be quite intelligent, their lack of focus frequently results in poor grades and difficulties in school.

Tips For Handling ADHD Children in School

• Teachers at schools must understand the struggle a student with ADHD goes through and ensure that an ordered, safe, predictable classroom environment is set for such students.

•  Educators must establish a courteous, working relationship with the student’s parents. Learn about their child’s strengths, weaknesses, interests and achievements outside the school.

•  Teachers should be aware about the teaching methods which are most effectively used at home by the parents.

•  Teachers must communicate often and send encouraging notes home so that the parents are aware about the progress of the child. Teachers must speak to the student individually.

•  Be very loving , patient and express interest in his or her work at school by observing patiently how he or she learns best.

•  Decide together on a sign or a code that you can use to remind the child to focus on the task.

•  Teachers can also use a point system, tokens, stars, or other methods to reinforce and appreciate appropriate behaviour in the classroom.

•  Notice and provide feedback on any improvement in the areas of behaviour and academics to the parents .Avoid any form of criticizing the child in front of his or her peers.

•  One very important thing that teachers must do is give directions in simple, concrete terms and simplify instructions, tasks and assignments.

•  Always get the child to complete one step before introducing the second step. Provide the ADHD student opportunities to display his or her skills, talents or leadership ability in front of the entire class. Include stretching exercises, or movement activity when you notice the child’s attention span is low.

•  Avoid giving them long home or class assignments.

•  Seat the ADHD child in close proximity to you and in the area that has the least amount of distractions for example doors, windows and naughty students.

•  Provide an opportunity for the child to release some energy. For example, have the student assist you in carrying books to the staff room, minding the class, running errands for you etc.

•  Provide opportunities for physical activity. Choose the hyperactive child to hand out note books ,collect assignments or do other classroom jobs that can help release pent up energy and contribute to his or her feeling of self-worth.

Dear Teachers, ADHD children can perform better within a familiar, consistent, and structured routine at school with positive reinforcements for good behaviour and subtle consequences for bad. Family & classmates and teachers should all be educated on the special needs and behaviour of the ADHD child. Communication between parents and teachers is especially critical to ensuring an ADHD child has an appropriate learning environment. The key factor for handling such children is PATIENCE!!!!

Source                  : www.edutopia.org

Linda.R

IT Coordinator

BenchMark International School