Classroom tips
By Carolyn Leigh Kellerman
ADHD affects 3-5% of school-aged children, meaning at least one student in a class of 25-30 is likely to have ADHD. Symptoms include hyperactivity, impulsivity and sleep issues, which can lead to academic and social challenges as the child grows. It is a chronic condition, and while medication can help, it’s not a complete solution. Teachers play a crucial role in managing behaviors and supporting the child’s success.
Support strategies for individual students with ADHD
These strategies aim to create a supportive classroom environment that fosters success for students with ADHD.
- Understanding the Child’s Perspective: Teachers should help students understand their ADHD and provide positive reinforcement through behavior logs.
- Movement Breaks: Incorporate regular movement breaks to help manage hyperactivity and inattention.
- Organization: Help students stay organized with visual schedules and clear expectations.
- Social Interaction: Increase the child’s social circle through structured sharing times to help them feel included and engaged.
Support strategies that benefit the whole class
Here are some classroom activity ideas tailored to support students with ADHD while benefiting the entire class.
Brain break stations
- Setup: Create several “Brain Break Stations” around the classroom with different activities such as stretching, quick exercises, walks outside the classroom or sensory toys.
- Implementation: Allow students to visit a station for a 2-3-minute break when they need to release energy or refocus.
Interactive learning centers
- Setup: Organize several learning centers focusing on various subjects (math, reading, science) with hands-on activities (puzzles, math manipulatives, educational games).
- Implementation: Rotate students in small groups to keep them engaged and moving, helping those with ADHD maintain focus.
Movement-integrated lessons
- Setup: Incorporate movement into lessons. For example, when teaching math, students could hop to the correct answer written on the floor or use hand gestures to represent different concepts.
- Implementation: This active participation can help students with ADHD stay engaged and retain information better.
Fidget-friendly choices
- Setup: Provide “fidget tools” like stress balls, quiet spinners or textured materials at desks.
- Implementation: Teach students how to use these tools appropriately to help focus without disturbing others.
Collaborative group projects
- Setup: Design group projects where students work together to solve a problem, create a presentation or build something.
- Implementation: Assign roles that allow for movement and interaction, such as being the group leader who circulates around the room to gather materials.
Mindful meditation
- Setup: Introduce a daily “Mindful Meditation” where the class practices deep breathing, visualization, yoga or quiet reflection.
- Implementation: Use this time to help students calm their minds and bodies, making it easier for those with ADHD to transition between activities.
Interactive story time
- Setup: During reading sessions, use interactive storytelling techniques such as assigning characters to students to act out parts of the story.
- Implementation: This keeps students engaged through physical activity and helps them connect with the material.
Visual task lists
- Setup: Create a visual task list for each lesson or activity with pictures or icons representing each step.
- Implementation: Encourage students to check off each task as they complete it, which can help those with ADHD stay organized and on track.
Quiet corners
- Setup: Create a “Quiet Corner” in the classroom with soft seating, noise-canceling headphones and calming visuals.
- Implementation: Allow students to visit this space when they need a break from sensory overload or when they need to refocus.
These activities aim to create an inclusive classroom environment that supports the diverse needs of students, including those with ADHD, by integrating movement, hands-on learning and social interaction into daily routines.