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Calendars can serve as great reminders and establish a sense of responsibility for the student

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Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Tools and strategies to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework

Writer: Rae Jacobson

For kids with ADHD, the right approach to school can mean the difference between good grades, and the confidence that comes with them, and another round of, "I lost my homework ... again." Here are a few suggestions for tools and strategies to help kids with ADHD get set for success.

Calendar(s): Whether it's the New Year, the new school year, or any time a resolution is made to be better organized, calendars are key to kids with ADHD. Your child should have a school calendar with enough space to allow them to write down and organize (by color-coding!) assignments. We recommend a separate calendar for social engagements and after-school activities. Additionally, it helps to add everything to a digital calendar with a reminder function that can push notifications to their phone. Another feature of online calendars is the sharing function. This allows them to share their calendar with parents and teachers and helps everyone stay on the same page.

Backup Items: Avoid morning (and afternoon, and evening) panic by having multiples of items that are easily lost. Think about the things that tend to go missing: If disappearing socks are slowing you down, get more socks. If stealthy shoes (or keys, or gloves or hats or transit fares) are making them late, keeping backups on hand will help them get out the door on time.

Head of the Class: Literally. Sitting in the front of the room not only helps kids avoid the distractions (and temptations!) of back-row chatter and note-passing - it also promotes accountability. The harder it is for kids with ADHD to slip through the cracks, the better. When kids sit up front, it's easier for the teacher to notice if they're having a hard time and give you both a chance address the issue before it becomes a problem.

Prioritize: Kids with ADHD often have trouble knowing which assignments should take priority. Here is where color-coding can really come in handy. Arm them with highlighters- and backup highlighters! Assign each color a priority level. For example pink would be "high," blue, "medium," and green, "low." Having a pre-established system will help them build skills and get a sense of what to do when. You can also use apps like Remember the Milk, which allows users to add due dates, priority levels, and estimates of how much time each task will take.

Time Management: The eternal battle. Learning to effectively manage time is the grail for kids with ADHD. In addition to calendars, task timers like Focus Booster can help kids get better at judging how much time each task will take, and let them know when it's time to move on to something new. Timers aren't just helpful with homework and chores - they can also use one during longer tests to remind her him to switch sections and use their time efficiently.

Concentration Aids: White noise generators help block distractions and boost productivity. Try apps like Simply Noise that offer a few "types" of noise (pink or brown noise, rainstorms, calming music, etc) so kids can choose what works best for them. You can also use a white noise machine or run a loud fan at home to help kids during homework.

Recording Apps: No matter what accommodations kids have, paying attention to lectures and verbal instructions is a big part of doing well in school. Help kids stay on track by using recording apps with dictation functions. That way they can review any missed information later on.

Check the Policy: Assistive technology can be great for kids with ADHD, but a lot of it relies on smartphones. If your child uses apps to help them during school make sure you check his school's cell phone policy. If it's strict, you'll need to address it during IEP meetings.

Save and Share: Sometimes it seems like ADHD and Murphy's Law are one and the same. If homework can be lost, left behind or vanish, it'll happen. If your child is working on an important paper or project encourage them to use programs like Google Docs that are set to save frequently and backup to online servers. This way, he'll have access to documents wherever he goes and won't run the risk of losing his work if the computer encounters a problem.

A Clean Slate: For a lot of kids with ADHD, past difficulties can make it hard to have a positive outlook on school. Fears of messing up socially, failing in school, and disappointing parents and teachers are very real for kids with ADHD. Let your child know that the past is something you can both learn from, but otherwise agree to work from a clean slate. Talk about any anxieties they may have around school, and work together to make a plan to support them emotionally throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my child with ADHD focus in school?

You can help your child with ADHD focus in school by introducing more structure and organization into their daily life. For example, experts recommend color-coded calendars to help track and prioritize assignments. Seating the child at the front of the class will also help them stay on track by limiting distractions. Parents can also set up regular homework routines and some form of exercise after school.

This article was last reviewed or updated on October 30, 2023.

Rae Jacobson is a writer, ADHD expert, and former senior editor at the Child Mind Institute. Her work has appeared ... Read Bio

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School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD - Child Mind Institute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tools and strategies for children and teenagers with ADHD to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework for success at school.

# data[].attributes.body
designate quite time daily as a routine for working on assignments/homework, this will avoid meltdowns over routine disruptions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Lo sentimos, la página que usted busca no se ha podido encontrar. Puede intentar su búsqueda de nuevo o visitar la lista de temas populares.

Tools and strategies to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework

Writer: Rae Jacobson

For kids with ADHD, the right approach to school can mean the difference between good grades, and the confidence that comes with them, and another round of, "I lost my homework ... again." Here are a few suggestions for tools and strategies to help kids with ADHD get set for success.

Calendar(s): Whether it's the New Year, the new school year, or any time a resolution is made to be better organized, calendars are key to kids with ADHD. Your child should have a school calendar with enough space to allow them to write down and organize (by color-coding!) assignments. We recommend a separate calendar for social engagements and after-school activities. Additionally, it helps to add everything to a digital calendar with a reminder function that can push notifications to their phone. Another feature of online calendars is the sharing function. This allows them to share their calendar with parents and teachers and helps everyone stay on the same page.

Backup Items: Avoid morning (and afternoon, and evening) panic by having multiples of items that are easily lost. Think about the things that tend to go missing: If disappearing socks are slowing you down, get more socks. If stealthy shoes (or keys, or gloves or hats or transit fares) are making them late, keeping backups on hand will help them get out the door on time.

Head of the Class: Literally. Sitting in the front of the room not only helps kids avoid the distractions (and temptations!) of back-row chatter and note-passing - it also promotes accountability. The harder it is for kids with ADHD to slip through the cracks, the better. When kids sit up front, it's easier for the teacher to notice if they're having a hard time and give you both a chance address the issue before it becomes a problem.

Prioritize: Kids with ADHD often have trouble knowing which assignments should take priority. Here is where color-coding can really come in handy. Arm them with highlighters- and backup highlighters! Assign each color a priority level. For example pink would be "high," blue, "medium," and green, "low." Having a pre-established system will help them build skills and get a sense of what to do when. You can also use apps like Remember the Milk, which allows users to add due dates, priority levels, and estimates of how much time each task will take.

Time Management: The eternal battle. Learning to effectively manage time is the grail for kids with ADHD. In addition to calendars, task timers like Focus Booster can help kids get better at judging how much time each task will take, and let them know when it's time to move on to something new. Timers aren't just helpful with homework and chores - they can also use one during longer tests to remind her him to switch sections and use their time efficiently.

Concentration Aids: White noise generators help block distractions and boost productivity. Try apps like Simply Noise that offer a few "types" of noise (pink or brown noise, rainstorms, calming music, etc) so kids can choose what works best for them. You can also use a white noise machine or run a loud fan at home to help kids during homework.

Recording Apps: No matter what accommodations kids have, paying attention to lectures and verbal instructions is a big part of doing well in school. Help kids stay on track by using recording apps with dictation functions. That way they can review any missed information later on.

Check the Policy: Assistive technology can be great for kids with ADHD, but a lot of it relies on smartphones. If your child uses apps to help them during school make sure you check his school's cell phone policy. If it's strict, you'll need to address it during IEP meetings.

Save and Share: Sometimes it seems like ADHD and Murphy's Law are one and the same. If homework can be lost, left behind or vanish, it'll happen. If your child is working on an important paper or project encourage them to use programs like Google Docs that are set to save frequently and backup to online servers. This way, he'll have access to documents wherever he goes and won't run the risk of losing his work if the computer encounters a problem.

A Clean Slate: For a lot of kids with ADHD, past difficulties can make it hard to have a positive outlook on school. Fears of messing up socially, failing in school, and disappointing parents and teachers are very real for kids with ADHD. Let your child know that the past is something you can both learn from, but otherwise agree to work from a clean slate. Talk about any anxieties they may have around school, and work together to make a plan to support them emotionally throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I help my child with ADHD focus in school?

You can help your child with ADHD focus in school by introducing more structure and organization into their daily life. For example, experts recommend color-coded calendars to help track and prioritize assignments. Seating the child at the front of the class will also help them stay on track by limiting distractions. Parents can also set up regular homework routines and some form of exercise after school.

This article was last reviewed or updated on October 30, 2023.

Rae Jacobson is a writer, ADHD expert, and former senior editor at the Child Mind Institute. Her work has appeared ... Read Bio

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
School Success Kit for Kids With ADHD - Child Mind Institute

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Tools and strategies for children and teenagers with ADHD to help manage time, stay focused, and handle homework for success at school.

# data[].attributes.body
Timers can be effective in preparing students with ADHD for transitions between activities, this will also eliminate meltdowns and disruptions

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Stay in great communication with school nurse and family to ensure medication is being taken on a consistent/timely basis

# data[].attributes.body
color coding tabs or folders for various subjects in school can help for remembering where certain materials are located

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Flexible seating can assist with allowing them to concentrate more on school work

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Things like noise cancelling headphones and white noise machines can help with drowning out the noise around them and assist them with focusing on work

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give transition warnings to help with reminders for next activity approaching, this will eliminate breakdowns and strengthen routines

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Students with ADHD can have a hard time focusing in class. They might also have trouble remembering directions or act impulsively even if they know the rules. But there are teaching strategies you can use to help students with ADHD - and all students - thrive in your classroom.

Here are eight teaching strategies to try.

1. Give transition warnings.

ADHD can make it hard for students to transition from one activity to another. Giving advance notice can help students switch gears and be prepared for what's next.

One way to do this is by using nonverbal signals. As one example, you can tell students you'll tap on their desk as a sign that you'll call on them next.

Learn more about nonverbal signals.

2. Give feedback with respectful redirection.

Since kids with ADHD can have trouble managing emotions, it helps to give feedback that's immediate, calm, and concise.

Respectful redirection is a positive behavior strategy you can use to give in-the-moment feedback without making a big deal of it. Address the issue with the student as quickly and as privately as possible.

Learn how to use respectful redirection.

3. Break directions into chunks.

Students with ADHD can have trouble following multi-step directions. One way to help is to break down directions into manageable chunks. This may take a little more of your time at the start of an activity. But it will save you and your students time, confusion, and frustration in the end.

Imagine that you're giving students class time to work on ongoing art projects. First, you could review the purpose of the project. Then go over the materials list and give students time to take them out. Once you've checked that all students have their materials, give clear instructions for how to continue working on the project.

Share with families how they can break down assignments at home.

4. Set a timer.

Knowing there's a limit to how long an activity will last can make it easier for students with ADHD to stay engaged. You can use a timer to show the time left in an activity or how much time until a break. Timers can also warn students about transitions.

Try projecting a physical timer on your document camera. Or use one of the many free classroom timers you can find online.

Keep in mind that timers can make some students nervous. If you have anxious students, try a different strategy.

5. Use checklists and schedules.

Time management and organization can be challenging for students with ADHD. They may have a hard time getting to class or finishing tasks on time. Or they may have trouble finding materials in their backpacks, lockers, or desks.

Schedules and checklists can help students get organized. You can also send home these organization printables so families can help their kids get organized.

6. Take brain breaks.

Sitting still for long periods of time can be hard for students with ADHD. Brain breaks can help by switching up what they're doing for a few minutes.

Brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. Movement breaks like stretching give students a chance to get up and move around. Relaxing brain breaks like deep breathing can help calm students and allow their minds to settle enough to shift focus.

Explore different kinds of brain breaks.

7. Use wait time.

Students with ADHD sometimes rush to answer a question or say the very first thing that comes to mind. Wait time, or "think time," is a strategy that helps students with ADHD and those who need more time to process information.

With wait time, you ask a question and then pause for three to seven seconds before taking responses. This pause helps students think about their answers before sharing. And when students see that wait time is a part of your routine, they'll know they don't have to rush to give a response.

8. Teach with empathy.

Remember, students with ADHD don't mean to misbehave or get distracted. They're often trying as hard as they can to pay attention or stay organized. But ADHD can make it harder for them. When you keep this in mind and approach your students with empathy, you can help them feel understood and supported.

Learn more about teaching with empathy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How can teachers support students with ADHD? Try these ADHD teaching strategies and tips to help students focus and follow directions. They're good for kids with ADHD but can benefit all students.

# data[].attributes.body
provide feedback with positive redirection when emotions get too high.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Students with ADHD can have a hard time focusing in class. They might also have trouble remembering directions or act impulsively even if they know the rules. But there are teaching strategies you can use to help students with ADHD - and all students - thrive in your classroom.

Here are eight teaching strategies to try.

1. Give transition warnings.

ADHD can make it hard for students to transition from one activity to another. Giving advance notice can help students switch gears and be prepared for what's next.

One way to do this is by using nonverbal signals. As one example, you can tell students you'll tap on their desk as a sign that you'll call on them next.

Learn more about nonverbal signals.

2. Give feedback with respectful redirection.

Since kids with ADHD can have trouble managing emotions, it helps to give feedback that's immediate, calm, and concise.

Respectful redirection is a positive behavior strategy you can use to give in-the-moment feedback without making a big deal of it. Address the issue with the student as quickly and as privately as possible.

Learn how to use respectful redirection.

3. Break directions into chunks.

Students with ADHD can have trouble following multi-step directions. One way to help is to break down directions into manageable chunks. This may take a little more of your time at the start of an activity. But it will save you and your students time, confusion, and frustration in the end.

Imagine that you're giving students class time to work on ongoing art projects. First, you could review the purpose of the project. Then go over the materials list and give students time to take them out. Once you've checked that all students have their materials, give clear instructions for how to continue working on the project.

Share with families how they can break down assignments at home.

4. Set a timer.

Knowing there's a limit to how long an activity will last can make it easier for students with ADHD to stay engaged. You can use a timer to show the time left in an activity or how much time until a break. Timers can also warn students about transitions.

Try projecting a physical timer on your document camera. Or use one of the many free classroom timers you can find online.

Keep in mind that timers can make some students nervous. If you have anxious students, try a different strategy.

5. Use checklists and schedules.

Time management and organization can be challenging for students with ADHD. They may have a hard time getting to class or finishing tasks on time. Or they may have trouble finding materials in their backpacks, lockers, or desks.

Schedules and checklists can help students get organized. You can also send home these organization printables so families can help their kids get organized.

6. Take brain breaks.

Sitting still for long periods of time can be hard for students with ADHD. Brain breaks can help by switching up what they're doing for a few minutes.

Brain breaks are quick, structured breaks using physical movement, mindfulness exercises, or sensory activities. Movement breaks like stretching give students a chance to get up and move around. Relaxing brain breaks like deep breathing can help calm students and allow their minds to settle enough to shift focus.

Explore different kinds of brain breaks.

7. Use wait time.

Students with ADHD sometimes rush to answer a question or say the very first thing that comes to mind. Wait time, or "think time," is a strategy that helps students with ADHD and those who need more time to process information.

With wait time, you ask a question and then pause for three to seven seconds before taking responses. This pause helps students think about their answers before sharing. And when students see that wait time is a part of your routine, they'll know they don't have to rush to give a response.

8. Teach with empathy.

Remember, students with ADHD don't mean to misbehave or get distracted. They're often trying as hard as they can to pay attention or stay organized. But ADHD can make it harder for them. When you keep this in mind and approach your students with empathy, you can help them feel understood and supported.

Learn more about teaching with empathy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How can teachers support students with ADHD? Try these ADHD teaching strategies and tips to help students focus and follow directions. They're good for kids with ADHD but can benefit all students.

# data[].attributes.body
checklists can be helpful for daily routines and keep them aware of what comes next. They can check off what they completed as they go, which aids in helping them be responsible too

# data[].attributes.body
providing reasonable amounts of breaks in the day when emotions run too high can help them cool down and return to the activity focused again

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students with ADHD tend to act out more and have more behavior issues. Behavior charts is an excellent tool to remind them of expectations. You can reinforce positive behaviors by referring back to the behavior plan or small chart you have for them at their desk to ensure they are on task

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Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a condition that makes it unusually difficult for children to concentrate, sit still, follow directions and control impulsive behavior.

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build solutions prior to seeing these possible

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Teaching Students with ADHD - HelpGuide.org

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Dealing with ADHD in the classroom? These tips for teachers will help you overcome common challenges.

# data[].attributes.body
think about the triggers and your classroom setup, is your class designed to support a student with ADHD? did you provide strategies to limit behavior outbursts

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maintain simple instructions to avoid behavior outbursts

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maintain simple instructions to avoid behavior outbursts

# data[].attributes.body
keep directions limited and in chunks rather than giving multiple instructions all at once that will be overwhelming

# data[].attributes.body
this video gave me a clear visual for how to implement strategies in the classroom compared to what I have read about

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these might not work for all students with ADHD and it would be a trial and error type of situation until you figure out what strategies work best for each student. 

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ADHD most definitely affects the learning. Take data notes on your students, determine specific learning triggers, incorporate appropriate focus strategies

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Supporting ADHD Students: Tips for Classroom Success

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This link had some important information related to various struggles for those with ADHD. One that really stood out to me was the overreacting high emotions piece.

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Supporting ADHD Students: Tips for Classroom Success

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Discover effective strategies for supporting ADHD students in the classroom to enhance focus, learning, and success for every child.

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shorter, almost nonexistent, blank stares into space

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reduce distractions, design classroom with simple visuals, reduce noise, set noise level guides for students, allow for breaks when needed

# data[].attributes.body
review daily schedule, teach communication strategies, puzzles can help with cognitive skill building and problem solving, brain teasers and riddles are excellent ways to increase cognitive skill/focus too

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37 Effective ADHD Therapy Activities for Children

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Discover 37 effective ADHD therapy activities for children that can enhance focus, control impulses and foster confidence. Help your child thrive today!

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breathing techniques, breaks, art therapy, etc

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Does your child have difficulty focusing on an activity or seem impulsive in behavior? When symptoms are severe enough and cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your child's life, it could be a sign of a neurobehavioral disorder, such as ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic condition that affects millions of children and often continues into adulthood. ADHD includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

Children with ADHD also may struggle with low self-esteem, school anxiety, troubled relationships and poor performance in school. Symptoms sometimes lessen with age. However, some people never completely outgrow their ADHD symptoms. However, they can learn strategies to be successful.

ADHD subtypes

Inattentive ADHD
Formerly referred to as ADD, people with inattentive ADHD display symptoms of inattention, but do not possess symptoms of hyperactivity or impulsivity.

Hyperactive/Impulsive ADHD
This subset of ADHD display symptoms of impulsivity or hyperactivity, but do not display symptoms of inattention.

Combined
People with combined ADHD display symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. The is the most common subset of ADHD.

Learn more about the three different types of ADHD.

Gender differences with ADHD

ADHD is more commonly diagnosed in boys than girls, but research into ADHD in adulthood suggests an almost equal balance between men and women. A lower diagnosis rate among females in childhood can result because girls with ADHD are more likely than boys to have the inattentive form of ADHD and less likely to show obvious problems.

More than half of children who experience ADHD in childhood continue to have symptoms as adults. Some women only recognize their ADHD after a child has been diagnosed and the woman begins to see similar behavior in herself. Other women seek treatment because their lives spin out of control, financially, at work or at home.

ADHD treatment

While treatment won't cure ADHD, it can help a great deal with symptoms. Treatment typically involves medications and behavioral interventions. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in outcome.

It's also important to work with a therapist who specializes in ADHD to learn coping mechanisms that are nonpharmacological to help with ADHD symptoms and behaviors. A therapist can enhance the effectiveness of the medication and give tools to empower those with ADHD using treatments that may involve behavioral, psychological, social, educational and lifestyle interventions.

Behavioral strategies

Here are 5 behavioral strategies to help manage your child's ADHD:

1. Give praise and rewards when rules are followed.

Children with ADHD often receive and expect criticism more so than other children. This can really impact self-esteem. Some days, you might have to really look for the good behavior, but you should praise good behavior at least five times more often than you criticize bad behavior.

2. Give clear, effective directions or commands.

Make eye contact or gently touch on arm or shoulder to get his or her attention. Give brief, simple steps and short commands that get to the point rather than multiple directions or wordy statements and questions.

3. Establish healthy habits.

If your child is on a medication, it should be taken as prescribed. Contact your child's health care provider if problems arise. Make sure your child is getting enough sleep, eating a well-balanced diet consisting of three meals, a snack and adequate fluids daily, and has an outlet for some form of daily exercise. These healthy habits will help your child to feel his or her best and help minimize ADHD symptoms.

4. Develop routines around homework and chores.

Work together to make a checklist of what needs to be done surrounding daily chores, getting ready for bed and school for your child to refer to when he or she gets off task. Encourage your child to use a daily planner so he or she is aware of all homework assignments. Have an established time and location for homework, and use a timer to remind your child to show you how the homework is going two to four times per hour. Factor in brain breaks if your child needs them and movement between tasks or use of an appropriate fidget.

5. Help your child build relationships, strong social skills and maintain friendships.

Be a good role model of behavior you want your child to use. Factor in some special time three to five days a week with your child that is conflict-free and does not involve a screen to help maintain a strong parent-child relationship. Help your child develop at least one close friendship. With younger children, parents may need to take the lead to arrange and host play dates or get kids involved in activities where there are kids the same age. Get tips for helping your child develop social skills.
Amanda Logan is a nurse practitioner in Family Medicine in Janesville, Minnesota.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Does your child have difficulty focusing on an activity or seem impulsive in behavior? When symptoms are severe enough and cause ongoing problems in more than one area of your child's life, it could be a sign of a neurobehavioral disorder, such as ADHD.

# data[].attributes.body
so many simple ways to help

# data[].attributes.body
-limit distracting visuals

-setup a quiet corner for break time with a drawer of coloring supplies, stress squeeze balls, fidget toys, emotion management posters, breathing/calming exercises

-printout dry erase daily routine schedule for the student(s) desk to keep track of what was done/not done

-short term goal setting reminders and daily talks

-reinforce positive behaviors

-offer praises for great behaviors

-color coded/labled folders for different academic subjects

# data[].attributes.body
use fidget toys for distractions from overwhelming emotions as needed

# data[].attributes.body
a drawing corner can be a great tool to release some overwhelming emotions/frustrations for adhd students

# data[].attributes.headline
healthy and logical tips for daily routines

# data[].attributes.subject
healthy and logical tips for daily routines

# data[].attributes.body
using checklists for behavior expectations and daily work will be helpful

# data[].attributes.body
-limit the amount of posters on the walls

-buff out noise by keeping students at appropriate noise levels

-remind students ahead of time of schedule changes

# data[].attributes.body
My current classroom is very busy. I need to add my daily routine onto the wall, remove old posters from previous lessons, add a center for break time as needed, and print out behavior checklists.

# data[].attributes.body
students with ADHD have a right to accomodations in the classroom

extend assignment due dates

provide study guides

provide note taking supports

flexible seating is a must

reduce memory load

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
10 Essential Classroom Accommodations for ADHD

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Does your ADHD child have issues in the classroom? Here are some accommodations that may help.

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Students with ADHD have difficulty with attention and self-control. And at school, that can look like inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity, impulsivity, and disorganization - all of which can get in the way of learning. What classroom accommodations can help students with ADHD? Here are some strategies teachers can try.

Setting up the classroom environment

Use flexible seating, like wiggle chairs, standing desks, footrests, seat cushions, or resistance bands on chair legs.

Increase the space between desks or work tables (if social distancing guidelines aren't already in place).

Designate a quiet work space in the classroom.

Set up preferential seating close to the teacher and/or away from high-traffic areas.

Post a written schedule for daily routines and rules. When possible, let the student know ahead of time about schedule changes.

Building organization skills

Use an assignment notebook or an electronic calendar.

Provide an extra set of books to keep at home.

Provide folders and baskets of supplies to keep desk organized.

Color-code materials for each subject.

Provide typed notes or an outline of the lesson to help with taking notes.

Teach note-taking strategies, like using graphic organizers and mind-mapping software.

Have a buddy take notes for the student.

Give directions out loud and in writing, and have the student repeat them.

Provide a lesson outline that details instructions and assignments.

Keep instructions simple, clear, and concrete.

Use pictures and graphs to help create visual interest.

Provide a rubric that describes the elements of a successfully completed assignment.

Help the student break long assignments into smaller chunks.

Completing tests and assignments

Allow understanding to be demonstrated in different ways, like oral reports, posters, and video presentations.

Provide different ways to respond to test questions, like saying the answers or circling them.

Minimize the number of questions and problems per worksheet.

Schedule frequent short quizzes, rather than one long test at the end of each unit.

Give credit for work done instead of taking away points for late or partial assignments (with a plan for moving toward completing assignments).

Grade for content, not for neatness.

Give extra time and quieter space for work and tests.

Use a behavior plan with a reward system.

Use a nonverbal signal (like a sticky note on the desk or a hand on a shoulder) to get the student's attention and indicate the need for things like taking a brain break.

Talk through behavior problems one-on-one.

Check in frequently to monitor the student's "emotional temperature" or frustration level.

Do you have a student who you think has difficulty with attention and self-control? See a fact sheet about ADHD.

About the author

About the author

Amanda Morin is the author of "The Everything Parent's Guide to Special Education" and the former director of thought leadership at Understood. As an expert and writer, she helped build Understood from its earliest days.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Ginny Osewalt is a dually certified elementary and special education teacher with more than 15 years of experience in general education, inclusion, resource room, and self-contained settings.

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What types of accommodations can help students with ADD and ADHD? Here are some classroom accommodations to talk over with your child's school.

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be sure to work with the team to come up with the best supports for that specific student, stick with those supports and record data to show if working or not

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504 plans and ieps consist of admin, rsp teacher, school counselor/sometimes school psych and the teacher. in this meeting, all data from student's overall health and academic performance will be shared and taken into consideration when forming the goals and supports plan for the student

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enhanced my understanding of what iep and 504 plans are and their importance

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IEP plans are more specific learning goals and supports for students with learning disabilities vs 504 plans will not include special education services

https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/differences-between-504-plan-and-individualized-education-program-iep

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I met with our school RSP teacher and broke down the benefits of IEP/504 plans. Building a case study for 6weeks is key prior to just issuing a go ahead for an IEP/504. From there you will submit an SST and review documentation of data you collected on the student as their teacher. The SST team will evaluate data and determine if there is a need to move forward with additional testing. IEP and 504 plans are highly important for the success of those students who have learning disabilities such as ADHD. The team must all work together to define the goals and supports needed.

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everyone who is involved with the goal setting in the IEP and 504 (parents, caregivers, teacher, small group support teachers, admins, RSP teacher, etc) must stay in focus with the learning goals and needs of the student. If the plans put in place are not being followed by all adults involved in and out of the educational environment, the child will not benefit. Consistency is a must!