Education For The Inattentive: A Resource For Teaching Children With ADD and ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADD or ADHD), a biological condition affecting the brain through characteristics, such as poor attention, distractability, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior commonly develops in children at a younger age. ADHD/ADD symptoms may linger into adolescence and adulthood, which may interfere with poor academic performance, poor interpersonal relationships, and low self-esteem affliction.
In the United Sates, approximately two million children have ADHD. In other words, each classroom setting will have at least one child with the debilitating illness. ADHD has been linked with genetic and biological components, although no direct cause has been discovered that would help cure ADD.

Detecting ADD and ADHD

Parents and teachers can easily detect ADHD in school age children more than in any other age group. Young children first begin to develop their academic performance and socialization skills at school, which may make it easier to identify symptoms that set the afflicted child apart from the rest of the class. Common ADHD symptoms include inattention to detail, impulsivity, hyperactivity, low-grade scores, poor organizational and study skills, socialization problems, and a general dislike for school and homework. Children should obtain a diagnosis by a medical professional in order to assess whether the symptoms are linked to ADHD or other prevalent conditions.

Strategies for Teachers with Students who Have ADD and ADHD

Since teachers interact with their students on a daily basis, they may notice subtle differences in the way their students perform in their academic studies and social interaction with their peers. Teachers can implement certain strategies and coping methods that will help their students afflicted with ADHD achieve success in their development. Without special attention given to ADHD students, teachers may find it difficult to control classroom disruptions and achieve favorable academic results. Some strategical methods may include correcting negative self-talk, providing music and art to stimulate academic productivity, physical activity, such as stretching, brief walks, and recess, self-esteem building exercises, effectively communicate and listen to the student's needs, and implement hands-on training for practical learning.

Helping at Home

Raising children with ADHD/ADD can be a frustrating experience for parents. Parents can regain control of their children's productivity by implementing a few strategies. The key component to taking control over the child's inattentive and uncooperative habits lies in understanding why ADHD children act the way they do. For instance, ADHD children respond differently to instruction and disciplinary measures than ordinary children. In other words, they often do not understand or follow parental instruction; they are easily distracted and disorganized, forget to complete projects, impulsive and may interrupt discussions. ADHD children rarely think before they speak, which may incite embarrassment if the afflicted child speaks on a whim. The main corrective strategies include positive reinforcement, such as encouraging sleep and movement, laying the ground rules and expectations with promises of reward, and implementing a healthy diet to ensure that the child gets adequate nutrition. Teach the child how to make friends through general social skills and encourage them to talk to their peers.


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