Classroom Interventions for ADD
Top Ten Strategies to Manage Attention Deficit Disorder in Kids
Use these strategies to provide the structure and support that kids with attention problems need to be successful.
More and more kids are being diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder every year. Managing their behaviors can be challenging for teachers and youth program leaders. Often they feel inadequately trained to deal with this issue, yet they want their kids to be successful. Here are ten simple ideas that may help.
- Provide structure. Kids with attention problems do best with set schedules and routines. Transitions are easier when kids know what is coming next. Make sure rules and expectation are equally clear, as well as the consequences for not following the rules. Give kids ample notice when circumstances dictate that you must deviate from the set routine
- Set clear expectations. When assigning tasks or activities, make sure kids know what they’re supposed to do. Directions may need to be repeated or offered through several modalities: try writing directions down as well as saying them aloud so that visual learners have a reference point. Make sure kids are comfortable asking questions if they don’t understand something.
- Give one-step directions. Kids who are easily distractible often have difficulty remembering multi-step tasks. By providing one direction at a time, you give them the opportunity to be successful and reduce frustration. Have them repeat directions back to ensure they understand what’s expected.
- Prepare for transitions. Because kids with ADD do so well with structure and routine, interruptions in that routine can be challenging for them. Don’t spring changes upon them without warning. Give ample notice, and throw in a few reminders as the time of the change approaches.
- Alter the environment. Use your surroundings to your benefit. Arrange desks or chairs in such a way that students with ADD are seated in the front. Keep wall décor and other clutter to a minimum: too distracting. Make sure lighting is adequate but not irritating, and try to minimize interruptions. For some tasks, kids who have trouble focusing might benefit from a study carrel or temporarily moving to a smaller room.
- Develop cues. For a student who consistently loses focus during a lesson or activity, develop a private “cue” that you can use to direct her back to task. This way, you can refocus her without drawing the attention of the entire group.
- Use proximity. Sometimes your presence is enough to help a student get back on track. This technique is especially useful because you often can move near a student without interrupting what you’re doing, and the action won’t draw attention to the student. Similar to cueing, it prompts the student by reminding him that he’s off task.
- Streamline stuff. Kids with ADD often have weak organizational skills. Simple organizational systems will work best: a process that’s too involved will just frustrate them. In addition, a simple system allows them to feel successful, creating a foundation you can add additional skills to later.
- Give lots of praise. Positive reinforcement builds confidence. Kids need to know when they’re doing something right, and more importantly, what they’re doing right. Be specific about the behavior you’re praising; don’t assume they know what you’re referring to. “You had a good day today.” is less helpful than, “You worked hard on your project and cooperated well with your group.”
- Manage behavior. Simple behavior plans with one or two goals work best. Get kids invested in the plan by asking them to help choose the goals. Make sure goals are within reach to avoid unnecessary frustration, and make them more challenging as kids meet with success.
You may also be interested in Behavior Management Basics or Homework Tips for Teens.
The copyright of the article Classroom Interventions for ADD in At-Risk Youth Support is owned by Susan Carney. Permission to republish Classroom Interventions for ADD must be granted by the author in writing.
