TIPS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS - HELPING WITH HOMEWORK
By Terri J. Andrews
Seat the student near the teacher's desk or where their seat will not be behind other students, which will be distracting. If they can have their own area, perhaps in a low-lit corner of the room, then they will have a better chance of paying attention.
Avoid distracting stimuli such as sitting near a door, an air conditioner, the pencil sharpener, a window, the heater or a disruptive student. The student will never be able to concentrate and by placing them in such a situation. You are in effect, subjecting them to stimuli that they do not have the ability to adequately handle.
Avoid disruptions - make transitions as easy as possible and with plenty of warning. Give signals such as - flick the lights when the have 15 minutes left in a test. Play a song for younger students when it's time to clean up. Openly say to the high school class - "We only have 10 minutes left, it is time to...." Scheduling and routines are vital to the ADHD mind.
Maintain eye contact when giving instructions or advice. Make sure it is "clicking" and being understood by the student.
Be simple and give one instruction at a time. Avoid multiple commands. If possible, break it down into a to-do list or a 1-2-3 list. Also, at the beginning of the year or at each semester, it is advisable that you lay out a complete synopsis of what is to be expected of the student. Lay out a calendar - including the larger projects, field trips and science fairs.
Encourage students to become - and stay - organized. But first you need to understand that this is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT for an ADD/ADHD person. For most, their internal organizing structures are not functional. In other words - their internal clock is often wrong (have trouble sleeping when it becomes dark, can't wake up without an alarm clock, not knowing when an hour is up..) and their inner sense of organization is often non-existent. ADD/ADHD people have difficulty prioritizing, mentally keeping track of people and objects, and often times - they cannot figure out how to get their life on track. They feel overwhelmed, not knowing where or how to begin a project. But - there are ways to help - including: making daily and weekly checklists; using a calendar; cutting themselves off from TV or the phone by using an alarm clock; using flash cards and using lists to understand priorities and job duties.
Be calm, responsive and understanding. WATCH YOUR VOCAL TONE and BODY MOVEMENT. Do not sound disapproving, condescending or impatient. These kids are highly sensitive - and will pick up on your feelings and reactions.
Communicate with the parents - often. (Try to remain optimistic)
Make sure the student understands what you are saying - look at him and see it in his eyes. Bend down and talk on their physical level. If he does not understand, repeat the lessons in a calm manner. It may be necessary to keep him after class to give him your one-on-one, undivided attention.
Be clear and concise.
Give out only one assignment at a time.
At home, set up a place where school papers are to be placed (such as a basket by the front door) and have a specific homework time already set up.
Remember that these kids get frustrated easily. If they feel they are failing, they will be extremely hard on themselves. This will cause low self-esteem and poor performance in schools. To change that - you need to remind yourself that they need more time, more motivation, more encouragement, and more understanding - than most kids. They may need to find a solution to a problem in an unconventional manner. They may need to stretch more or to stand while reading. Allow them to find their own way of learning and completing assignments - and they will soar academically!!
Teach relaxation techniques. Stress and anxiety come easy to ADD/ADHD people - and if they learn early how to cope with it - they will benefit from the techniques for the rest of their lives.
Look for their "gifts". Many spirited children are gifted in an area such as with music, writing, acting, comedy, mechanics or sports. Look for their special aptitude and get them as involved as they want/can. The more energy they expel at what they want to - the less energy they will spend doing what you don't want them to do.
During classes such as health - teach the class about ADD/ADHD. Treat this as any other disorder - such as diabetes or autism - and educate the students about the lives of their classmates.
For younger children - parents can "shadow". A shadow is when an adult goes into the class and watches their child - acts as a teacher's aid - but only for your child.
Make sure your child has an IEP - Individualized Education Plan. This will help to set goals for your child and to mark their progress.
Celebrate the small victories such as reading an entire book or completing a project.
Read up on ADD/ADHD as much as possible. Parents, school therapist, bus drivers and schoolteachers need to become EXPERTS on this condition. Read articles, books and stories. Be sympathetic and understanding. Include parental information in your school newsletters and hold informative parent and teachers classes. Read everything you can get your hands on!
