The behaviors typical of ADHD children are especially noticeable in a negative way at school. Here, children are expected to behave quietly and listen attentively to the teacher. However, ADHD children are often unfocused, easily distracted and thus disrupt the lessons. With a few tips and tricks, school and ADHD can be better reconciled.
ADHD children: problems at school
Children with ADHD often have problems at school: they stand out because they are easily distracted and have low stamina. They often start tasks but do not work them through to the end. The children are also restless and impatient in class, they interrupt the teacher or answer questions without being called on beforehand. It is not uncommon for ADHD children to have accompanying symptoms such as speech disorders, reading or spelling difficulties, and arithmetic problems. Motor abnormalities, which may be manifested, for example, in unsteady handwriting, are also possible. ADHD children also often find it difficult to fit in with the rest of the class. Due to their restless, sometimes even aggressive behavior, they make a nuisance of themselves with their classmates.
Inform teachers
When your child starts school, you should inform the classroom teacher that he or she has ADHD. Explain to him or her what is behind the disorder and what behaviors may occur. With some behavioral therapies, the teacher can also be involved in the treatment and learn how to respond adequately to the child at school. Unfortunately, however, not all teachers can or will respond appropriately to children with ADHD. If you notice that your child has significant problems in school and is not supported by the teacher, you should think in the long term about a change of class or, if necessary, a change of school.
Avoid distractions
At school, ADHD children should sit in the front row and in close proximity to the teacher, if possible. This way, if problems arise, the teacher can respond to the child quickly and without complications. In addition, the child in the front row is well protected from distraction by classmates. A seat in the back row or a seating arrangement with group desks, on the other hand, is rather poorly suited for ADHD children. If the teacher notices that the child is getting restless, it is best to give him or her a small task – such as wiping the board – that provides some movement and variety. Small breaks where the whole class is allowed to stretch and stretch once can also be helpful. To ensure that the child has as few distractions as possible during class, all the utensils he or she will need at school should be prepared in the best possible way. This includes, for example, making sure that the pencils are sharpened and that the fountain pen contains enough ink. Parents should also make sure that there are no toys in the child’s backpack. Books and notebooks in different compartments are best marked with one color each: So they can be easily kept apart and avoid long searches.
Doing homework with ADHD children
Doing homework can easily become a daily struggle with an ADHD child. Children try to avoid homework all the time, have trouble concentrating, and get distracted by trivial matters. We give you five tips to make doing homework easier:
- Provide the child with a quiet and tidy workspace. ADHD children are easily distracted, both by sounds and objects. Ideally, there are therefore only those items on the table that the child actually needs to work.
- Help the child to structure his homework. This gives the child a better overview of what needs to be done and can thus better assess success in working. For example, write the homework of the various subjects on individual notes, which the child can gradually hang.
- Do you get with your child when doing homework again and again quarrel, assign someone else with this task. For example, ask grandma and grandpa, whether they can temporarily care for the child in the homework. Alternatively, you can also organize homework help for a certain period of time.
- Do not oblige your child to sit at the desk all the time.Some tasks – for example, vocabulary learning – can also be done while sitting in the garden or on the sofa.
- Let your child pack the school bag for the next day, when he has done all the homework. So there is no hustle and bustle the next morning, but it can be calmly stowed in the backpack all the things that are needed for the next day.
