Kids With ADHD In The Classroom

By Timothy Taylor


ADHD, or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, affects nearly five million children in the USA only. This brain disorder causes difficulties with concentration, attention and self-control, but it also affects children's self-esteem. The largest problems start in school, with children with ADHD in the classroom, especially when teachers are not adequately prepared to deal with them.

It is not hard to recognize some of the early symptoms, such as forgetting things, misplacing toys, switching interests and activities all the time, talking non-stop or the lack of emotional control. Such kids get distracted too easily and sometimes have some really serious problems with their behavior. When they need to finish a task, it might become a real problem to them, even when this is not something too complicated to do.

Including the lack of patience, all these symptoms usually cause different problems in school. The fact is that there is no real cure for this disorder, but things can get better when different therapies are used, including various medications, psychotherapies or the combination of these treatments. Combining medication and psycho social therapy is considered to be the best approach, according to medical experts in this field.

On the other hand, a great progress can be achieved using appropriate teacher's approach to such children. The most important thing is to have a teacher who understands the problem, and have an adequate knowledge of ADHD. There are several things the teacher can do to make it easier for children suffering from this disorder, and one of these things is providing a safe, ordered environment. Explaining simple and clear rules is also really important.

Knowing every kid and understanding all specific needs and characteristics is the best start for every teacher. Individual approach is a must. The parents should also be involved, because they may help in finding the best approach. Starting with this might require more time in the beginning, but makes all future interactions much easier.

There are different methods that can be used for inspiring your students. If you recognize and reward their skills, efforts or talents, or a good behavior, maybe with a star, or an extra point, this might affect child's behavior. Pleasant environment, calming music, all this can additionally improve the quality of learning.

Involving physical activities during classes is another proven method for keeping children active and motivated. Just a simple exercise during the class may be a good thing to distress them. The teacher has to explain them why now is a good time for stretching the muscles a bit and after that will be a good time for learning. Simple and understandable rules with appropriate explanations are easier to accept.

Children should never be yelled at, or blamed for something they didn't do correctly. Every teacher has to be gentle and kind, and rewarding good things is always better than punishing. Dividing lessons into smaller segments children can easily understand is much more productive. Asking simple questions every once in a while will keep children concentrated. At last, if some child simply has to move, send it to take a message to another teacher, for example, just to satisfy this need.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment