Educational Recommendations for Students with ADD/ADHD:
Attention is the brain's ability to focus on sensory information by directing the mind. In the classroom, the brain processes information such as a teacher's words or written text by observant consideration. The brain also processes secondary information such as the weight and texture of clothing on the skin, the air temperature in the room, the sensation of swallowing, or the sound of breathing.
- A private tutor and/or peer tutoring at school.
- A class that has a low student-teacher ratio.
- Social skills training and organizational skills training.
- Training in cognitive restructuring (positive "self-talk," e.g., "I did that well.").
- Use of a computer for schoolwork.
- Individualized activities that are mildly competitive or noncompetitive such as bowling, walking, swimming, jogging, biking, marshal arts, such as karate. Children with ADD may do less well than their peers in team sports.
- Involvement in social activities such as scouting, church groups, or other youth organizations that help develop social skills and self-esteem.
- Allowing children with ADD to play with younger children if that is where they fit in. Many children with ADD have more in common with younger children than with their age-peers. They can still develop valuable social skills from interaction with younger children
Establishing the Proper Learning Environment
Seat students with ADD near the teacher's desk, but include them as part of the regular class seating. Place these students up front with their backs to the rest of the class to keep other students out of view. Surround ADD students with good role models, preferably students whom they view as significant others. Encourage peer tutoring and cooperative/collaborative learning. Avoid distracting stimuli. Try not to place students with ADD near air conditioners, high traffic areas, heaters, or doors or windows. Children with ADD do not handle change well, so avoid transitions, physical relocation (monitor them closely on field trips), changes in schedule, and disruptions. Be creative! Produce a stimuli-reduced study area. Let all students have access to this area so the student with ADD will not feel different. Encourage parents to set up appropriate study space at home, with set times and routines established for study, parental review of completed homework, and periodic notebook and/or book bag organization. |
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