ADHD

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Home : 2004 : January : 3

ADHD
By Sandy

Hello! I don't really have any behavior plan ideas, but I do have some tips. I have to admit, I do not totally understand the last post. I don't think by looking at behavior plans and tips does a teacher want to exclude
or deem a child "not normal". Every child is unique and sometimes teachers have to modify for this. By no means is it a bad thing...we just want them to be as successful as they can be.
Children who have ADHD have difficulty organizing time. So if you typically allow 15 minutes for a worksheet or activity to be completed...I would give time warnings. For example, there are 15 minutes

left...10 minutes left....5 minutes left, etc. They have special clocks now that are great for K because they have the remaining time left in red so the children get a visual of how much time is left.

Also, while giving directions...try showing the written (and picture) directions on the board. For example, if you want the class to first color, then cut and last glue...write this on the board and draw the pictures. It will help the child with ADHD stay more organized. If this is still too overwhelming for the child then take it direction by direction. Tell the child to first color...then once he/she is done with the first direction, you can tell the next direction.

Children with ADHD become distracted very easily, so it helps if they sit within close proximity to where you give the most instruction. In the older grades, desks help because the child can sit up by the teacher with his back to the other children. (which equals less distractions) I know this is hard in Kindergarten because many of us have tables..so maybe seat a child with ADHD close to where you stand most of the time and limit the number of children who sit at that table. Also sit the child away from windows, doors, walkways, and other distractions.

Impulsivity is also a problem. Again visuals work.. rather than always saying calm down or verbally stopping a behavior, have a signal. Maybe a hand signal that only you and the child know about. I use a picture of a lightbulb that I have laminated..it means slow down and THINK. I know that it can become tiring for the teacher to always be saying "slow down...sit down...etc..., so if you had a little visual cue that you can hold right by the child (since he is sitting right by where you stand most of the time) that can help a lot.

Good Luck! I hope you find something that works for the both of you!