For most teachers, getting a classroom full of students to focus on a lesson is a tough task on its own, but some teachers also must manage students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The American Psychiatric Association estimates between 3 and 7 percent of school-age children have ADHD, and other studies have found up to 10 percent.
But there are ways for teachers to cope with this issue, according to Dave Foley, author of Ultimate Classroom Management Handbook.
“No matter how you may feel, be patient,” Foley says in the book. “Changing behavior pattern may seem like an almost impossible task, but take a deep breath and stay with it. Do your best to establish a good relationship with these kids, because they really want the approval of their teachers and their peers.”
Foley recommends taking a few simple steps to manage students with ADHD:
- Give them positive attention.
- Supply immediate feedback.
- Tell them exactly what is acceptable behavior.
- Offer tangible rewards and positive tasks.
- Minimize distractions.
- Keep your directions simple and clear.
- Provide simple and immediate consequences for misbehavior.
- Get their cooperation.
- Prepare them for special events.
“Remember that ADHD is not an excuse for misbehaving or for poor academic performance,” Foley says. “Work with these students to help them meet their obligations, be accepted by their classmates, and participate in all your class activities.”