Managing ADHD in the Classroom: Practical Tips for Teachers
, by Tatianna Gerard, 11 min reading time
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects around 1 in 20 Australians. Although more frequently diagnosed in boys, it is often underdiagnosed in girls and adults. ADHD can present challenges in many aspects of life, and more than 3 in 4 children diagnosed with the condition continue to experience symptoms into adulthood.
In the classroom, students with ADHD may face difficulties such as staying focused, managing impulsivity, and following instructions. These challenges can impact their learning, but with the right strategies, teachers can create a more inclusive environment that supports the success of all students which we’re going to cover here.
Recognising ADHD in the classroom: ADHD symptoms in children
Children with ADHD often exhibit behaviours that can be challenging to manage in a classroom setting, but recognising these signs early is key to providing the right support. Symptoms can vary widely among students, but some common indicators include:
1. Difficulty focusing
One of the hallmark signs of ADHD is the inability to maintain focus for long periods. In the classroom, students with ADHD may have trouble staying on task, especially with activities that require sustained attention, such as reading or completing assignments. They may start a task but quickly become distracted by their surroundings, losing focus easily, and often daydreaming or staring off into space. This can make it difficult for them to keep up with lessons and classroom activities.
2. Fidgeting and hyperactivity
Students with ADHD often have high energy levels, making it difficult for them to sit still. You may notice constant fidgeting, squirming in their seats, or playing with objects on their desk. They may get up frequently, move around the classroom, or engage in physical activity when it’s not appropriate. This hyperactivity can disrupt not only their own learning but also the concentration of other students.
3. Impulsivity
Impulsivity is another common trait in children with ADHD. In the classroom, this may manifest as blurting out answers without raising their hand, interrupting the teacher or peers, or having difficulty waiting their turn during group activities. Impulsive students might also make hasty decisions without considering the consequences, which can lead to conflicts or mistakes in their schoolwork.
4. Struggling with organisation and time management
Many students with ADHD find it challenging to stay organised and manage their time effectively. They might forget to bring necessary materials to class, lose homework assignments, or struggle with keeping track of due dates. Tasks that require planning or breaking down into smaller steps may seem overwhelming to them. As a result, they often feel frustrated when they fall behind on assignments or can’t complete tasks on time.
5. Emotional sensitivity
Children with ADHD can be emotionally sensitive and may experience heightened frustration, anxiety, or low self-esteem when they struggle in school. They might feel easily overwhelmed by academic pressure or social dynamics, leading to emotional outbursts or withdrawal. Teachers may notice that students with ADHD have a harder time managing their emotions, which can affect their overall classroom experience.
Recognising these behaviours is the first step in providing the right support. Early identification allows for interventions that can help students succeed academically and socially, preventing these challenges from becoming barriers to their learning.
How to create an ADHD-friendly learning environment
Building an ADHD-friendly classroom is key to ensuring that students with ADHD can thrive academically and socially. Here are some strategies teachers can use to create a more structured and supportive environment:
1. Structured routines
Students with ADHD benefit greatly from predictable routines. This means:
- Establishing a clear, consistent daily schedule helps them know what to expect and stay on task.
- Displaying the schedule visually, either on the board or through personal planners, can make it easier for students to follow along.
- Breaking tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can also help prevent students from feeling overwhelmed.
- Having set routines for transitions between activities, such as getting ready for recess or switching between subjects, can reduce confusion and help students stay organised throughout the day.
2. Minimising distractions
Since students with ADHD can be easily distracted by external stimuli, it’s important to create a classroom environment that minimises unnecessary distractions.
- Consider seating students with ADHD away from windows, doors, or high-traffic areas to reduce visual and auditory disturbances.
- Desk arrangements should be designed to avoid clutter, as an organised workspace can help students focus on their tasks.
- Quiet corners or designated areas for individual work can provide students with a calm space to concentrate when needed.
- Teachers can use tools like noise-cancelling headphones to block out background noise during independent work sessions.
3. Visual aids and timers
Visual aids are an excellent way to keep students with ADHD on track.
- Using visual schedules, charts, or task lists can provide constant reminders of what needs to be done and what comes next.
- Colour-coded materials or labels for assignments and supplies can also aid in organisation.
- Timers can be helpful for managing time during tasks, allowing students to stay focused by providing a clear start and finish time. Visual countdown timers can reduce anxiety and help students manage their time more effectively, especially during transitions or timed activities.
4. Flexible seating options
Offering flexible seating arrangements can help students with ADHD manage their need for movement.
- Offering seating choices like standing desks, exercise balls, or wiggle cushions for movement.
- Integrating movement into learning with short breaks and physical activities to release energy.
- Providing students with the option to change their seating based on the task can foster a more inclusive environment.
By implementing these strategies, educators can create a classroom that supports the unique needs of students with ADHD. A structured, low-distraction environment helps students stay organised, focused, and engaged, leading to better learning outcomes.
Classroom management techniques for ADHD
Managing a classroom with students who have ADHD can be challenging, but with the right strategies, teachers can create a supportive environment that helps these students thrive. Here are a few techniques that can help:
1. Positive reinforcement:
Rather than focusing on negative behaviours, encourage good behaviour by rewarding effort and achievements, even small ones. Praise, stickers, or class privileges can reinforce positive actions. Frequent reinforcement helps students, both with and without ADHD, learn tasks more quickly compared to when reinforcement is less frequent. This approach boosts self-esteem and encourages students with ADHD to stay on track.
2. Frequent breaks:
Students with ADHD often have excess energy, and sitting still for long periods can be difficult. Incorporate short, frequent breaks during lessons where students can stand up, stretch, or engage in physical activities for a few minutes. This helps students release energy and return to their tasks with renewed focus.
3. Clear instructions:
Children with ADHD often struggle with processing long or complex instructions. Break down tasks into smaller, simple steps, and give clear, concise directions. Use visual aids or written instructions to help reinforce verbal instructions. Ensuring the student understands the task before moving on will reduce frustration and improve task completion.
4. Incorporating movement:
In addition to breaks, integrating movement into lessons can keep students with ADHD engaged. This could include activities that require students to move around the classroom, hands-on learning tasks, or using physical objects for lessons. Movement helps students focus by providing them with an outlet for their energy.
5. Personalised learning:
Each student with ADHD has unique needs. Some may benefit from using fidget tools, while others might need more one-on-one support. Tailoring classroom management techniques to fit individual students' needs, whether through flexible seating or personalised tasks, can make a significant difference.
Incorporating assistive technology in the classroom
Assistive technology is a powerful tool for helping students with ADHD stay engaged and focused in the classroom. These tools can support both learning and behaviour management by catering to the specific needs of each student. Here are some ways to incorporate assistive technology effectively:
1. Reader pens
Reader pens are handheld devices that scan and read text aloud, making it easier for students with ADHD to process written information. These tools are especially useful for students who struggle with reading comprehension or get easily distracted. The immediate audio feedback helps them stay focused and encourages independent learning.
How to use it effectively:
- Encourage students to use reader pens during reading activities or when working on written assignments.
- Allow them to use the pen to help with reading comprehension, reducing frustration with difficult texts.
- Pair the reader pen with physical reading materials to make lessons more interactive.
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2. Noise-cancelling headphones
Students with ADHD are often sensitive to environmental distractions. Noise-cancelling headphones can help block out excess noise, allowing students to concentrate better during independent tasks or tests.
How to use it effectively:
- Provide noise-cancelling headphones during quiet work periods or when the classroom gets noisy.
- Use headphones as part of a sensory break to help students reset and refocus.
3. Focus apps and timers
There are many digital tools designed to help students with ADHD manage their time and stay on task. Apps like visual timers and task managers can break work into smaller, more manageable pieces, helping students avoid feeling overwhelmed.
How to use it effectively:
- Use visual timers to set clear time limits for tasks, helping students with ADHD stay focused by knowing when they need to switch gears.
- Introduce task management apps or programs to help students break down assignments and track their progress.
- Use these tools to promote self-regulation and time management skills.
4. Fidget tools
While not traditionally classified as assistive technology, fidget tools can help students with ADHD release their energy in a controlled manner, improving focus on tasks. Tools such as fidget spinners, stress balls, or fidget cubes provide sensory input that can prevent restlessness and aid concentration.
How to use it effectively:
- Introduce fidget tools during independent work, ensuring students know how to use them without disrupting others.
- Offer a variety of tools so students can choose what works best for their focus needs.
NDIS funding
In Australia, certain assistive technologies may be funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), offering further support for students with ADHD. Teachers and parents should explore these funding opportunities to provide students access to these helpful tools without financial barriers.
Know more in our blog: Assistive Technology Solutions Covered by NDIS
Collaboration between parents, educators, and specialists
Supporting students with ADHD is a team effort that requires strong communication between parents, teachers, and specialists. Parents can provide insight into their child’s behaviour and needs at home, while educators can share observations and progress from the classroom. Specialists, such as educational psychologists or ADHD experts, can help create Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) or offer targeted interventions.
By working together, parents, educators, and specialists can build a comprehensive support system that ensures students with ADHD receive the guidance they need to succeed both academically and emotionally.