10 strategies to keep children with ADHD focused in the classroom.

Children with ADHD often have trouble staying focused in the classroom because their brains work differently in areas that control attention and impulses. This makes it hard for them to ignore distractions and concentrate for long periods. They also crave constant stimulation and find it difficult to wait for rewards, which makes them lose interest in school tasks quickly. The classroom setting, which usually requires sitting still and focusing on one activity, can make it even harder for them to stay engaged.

As a teacher for 10 years myself, I experienced first hand through trial and error, what works and what doesn't. In saying that, every child is different and will respond to different stimuli different.

Here are ten strategies with real-life examples that teachers can use to help children with ADHD focus on tasks in the classroom:

1. Structured Routine:

Establish a daily schedule that is prominently displayed in the classroom. For example, start each day with a morning meeting, followed by reading time, math, recess, and so on. A visual schedule with pictures can help younger students understand the sequence of activities. For high school students, this may involve colouring in their timetable in their diary, with a different colour allocated to each subject.

2. Clear and Concise Instructions:

When assigning a writing task, break it down into steps: brainstorm ideas, write a draft, and then revise. Use a checklist so students can mark off each step as they complete it. This helps students with ADHD focus on one part of the task at a time. This stops them getting overwhelmed by an entire list of tasks if they can tick one off at a time. It also allows the teacher to monitor their progress as they move through the components of the task.

3. Positive Reinforcement:

Implement a reward system where students earn points for staying on task, which they can exchange for small rewards like extra recess time or a classroom privilege. For instance, a student who completes their math worksheet without getting distracted might earn a point towards a class-wide goal.

4. Seat Placement

Place students with ADHD at the front of the classroom, near the teacher’s desk, and away from windows and doors. This reduces visual distractions and allows the teacher to provide more immediate support. For example, during a reading lesson, the teacher can easily prompt the student to stay focused.

5. Movement Breaks:

Incorporate short physical activities between lessons, such as a two-minute stretch or a quick dance routine. After completing a challenging worksheet, allow students to stand up and move around the room. This helps them release energy and return to tasks with better concentration. If movement breaks in the classroom aren't possible, a wobble cushion on wriggle stool can be useful. These allow students to move around quietly on their seat- using their core stabiliser muscles to burn built up energy, while staying positioned in their seat.

6. Visual Aids and Tools:

Use colorful charts to outline steps for a science experiment, or provide graphic organizers to help students plan their essays. For instance, a mind map can help students organize their thoughts before writing a story, keeping them focused on the task.

7. Multisensory Instruction:

Use hands-on activities like building models in a history lesson or using manipulatives in math. For example, during a lesson on fractions, let students use fraction tiles to visually and physically manipulate the parts of a whole.

8. Behavioral Interventions:

Implement a token economy system where students earn tokens for positive behaviors, such as staying seated during work time. These tokens can be exchanged for rewards like choosing a book to read or leading a classroom game.

9. Collaborative Learning:

Pair students with ADHD with peers who can help keep them on task during group activities. For example, during a group science project, assign specific roles to each student to ensure that the child with ADHD stays engaged and knows exactly what they need to do.

10. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques:

Integrate a short mindfulness exercise into a lesson, such as deep breathing, yoga, or guided imagery. For example, after lunch, lead the class in a three-minute breathing exercise to help students calm down and refocus before starting the next lesson.

References:

DuPaul, G.J., & Stoner, G. (2014). ADHD in the Schools: Assessment and Intervention Strategies.
Langberg, J. M., et al. (2011). "Improving homework performance among children with ADHD: A randomized clinical trial." Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology.
Barkley, R.A. (2006). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment.
Fabiano, G.A., et al. (2009). "Enhancing the effectiveness of special education programming for children with ADHD using a daily report card." School Psychology Review.
Pfiffner, L. J., & Haack, L. M. (2014). "Behavioral parent training for ADHD: What to expect and why." ADHD Report.
Zentall, S. S. (2005). "Theory- and evidence-based strategies for children with attentional problems." Psychology in the Schools.
Lavoie, R. (2008). The Motivation Breakthrough: 6 Secrets to Turning On the Tuned-Out Child.
Multisensory Instruction: A Guide for Teaching Students with ADHD. (n.d.). Retrieved from [ADHD Resource Center].
Pelham, W. E., & Fabiano, G. A. (2008). "Evidence-based psychosocial treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder." Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology.
Kamps, D. M., et al. (2008). "Peer training to facilitate social interactions for elementary students with autism and their peers." Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
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