ADHD in the Classroom
We need to better support students with ADHD in the classroom
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, can be looked at in two ways. The first way focuses on inattention, which can show itself in various forms, such as being forgetful, distracted, and disorganized. The other way is through hyperactivity or impulsivity, which can be shown in multiple different behaviors, from being unable to sit still to constantly interrupting. Despite the research surrounding this mental health disorder, many pieces are harshly misunderstood. As someone with ADHD, it’s ironic to me that so many focus on the inability to focus and yet do not take into account the hyper fixation that occurs when someone with ADHD is focused on something they like or find important. As much of a maze ADHD is, there is an even more complex maze when it comes to figuring out how to support students across every grade letter that have ADHD.
Inside the classroom
Whether the student is dealing with inattention or hyperactivity, being in school can be the most challenging part of living with ADHD. Those with undiagnosed ADHD are often labeled as lazy troublemakers, which ends up making those students feel misunderstood and alienated, which can amp up the negative behaviors in those students. In order to combat this, teachers and school officials in general need to be more educated on exactly what ADHD is, what behaviors it can cause, and how best to support students so that they are allowed to have the same education as those without it. So what can be done?
- Tailor instructions and assignments to the individual student(s).
- Provide an environment that limits possible distractions.
- Promote positive reinforcement and feedback.
- Setting clear rules and routine-visual aids can help with this.
- Set timers and give transition warnings.
Parent-Teacher Collaboration
In some cases, it can be hard for parents to admit or fully understand that their child needs accommodations. The less they know, the more complex the situation can become. With parents and teachers communicating and working together, they can make the lives of themselves, their students, and their children. So what are the best ways for parents and teachers to collaborate?
- It’s essential to ensure that each party understands the difficulties the other has and will face when figuring out how to best work together. Don’t blame the other person. If you have questions on homework policies in the classroom or at home, ask, with respect, so that you can better understand each other.
- In order to help the problem, both parties need to understand the problem. What are the students’ triggers in the classroom? What are their triggers at home? Once you’re able to identify these triggers, you can work together to counteract those triggers the best you can in your child’s environment.
- Don’t think that one meeting together is going to fix everything. Meeting periodically will make sure that the student is on the right track, and if not, you’ll be able to modify your initial plan.
Tutoring
Many students with ADHD, when in the classroom, can feel singled out and afraid to ask the questions they need to. They can become annoyed and irritated because they are unable to understand subjects or don’t seem to be able to catch on as quickly as others. With tutoring, it allows for the pace to be slowed down. It will enable the student to be able to work at their own pace without feeling the pressure of a classroom and worrying about being ridiculed by other students. What are some ways that tutoring helps to do this?
- Give the student one on one attention. With this, they can focus on the needs of one student and align their tutoring skills to the needs of the individual.
- Improving habits. With a tutor, those with ADHD can work on their studying habits that they will be able to use even when the tutor is not with them. The tutor can also help them to become more organized, giving them individualized tips to help them in the long run.
- Boosts self-confidence. If students are able to have the time and environment to be able to learn at their own pace to work with their ADHD instead of against it, they’ll feel more confident in themselves when they’re in bigger classroom settings. They’ll be able to take what they were able to learn in their one on one tutoring sessions, including how to stay focused and organized, and take it with them no matter what grade level they’re at.
- Tutors have the ability to provide the student with more interesting tasks that will hold their attention longer; this way, the subjects that seem mundane and hard to stay focused on will become easier for the student to get through.
When I was in high school, I struggled. It was as if, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t focus, do well on tests, or seem to grasp concepts like others. My memory was always foggy. I had to take notes but could never keep up in the classroom. Then, when I was finally diagnosed with ADHD, it all started to make sense. Once I knew what I was dealing with and understood what I was working with, I could help myself overcome the obstacles in front of me. For a student who struggled throughout high school, I was able to thrive in an online college environment. Placing myself in a position to work alongside my ADHD, I was able to graduate Magna Cum Laude with a 3.8 GPA. My journey is not the same as any other person, but I know that many others will benefit in the classroom and at home if those around them can do everything that they can to help them succeed.
If I have learned anything from my journey with ADHD, it’s that it is better to work with it than against it. If you’re able to figure out that distraction is your most significant barrier, then you can work to ensure that your environment is free from it. For example, you can make sure you have a quiet space or use headphones to ensure you remain focused. It can be a difficult phase in one’s life, even without a diagnosis, so if you want to support students to help them overcome this obstacle, do your research, get educated, and most importantly, have compassion.
