Adapted from ADDitude Magazine

ADHD isn't just an inability to pay attention, it's an inability to control what one pays attention to. Students with ADHD are easily distracted when an activity is not sufficiently stimulating. In these situations, they are unable to inhibit their response to distractions and, because of this, often miss important lessons, instructions, or directions.

What Helps:

Partner with Your Student's Parent(s)
As an educator of a student who has ADHD, you may want to share this information with the student's
parent(s).

• You will attempt to situate their child close to your desk and away from doors and windows. (Where a teacher places a student with ADHD in the classroom is very important.)
  
  
• You will make an effort to provide everyone in the class with the option to use privacy dividers, earphones, or earplugs to block out distractions during class work or tests. Tell your student's parent(s) that you don't want to single out their child in the classroom.
  
  
• You'll try to alternate between high and low interest activities during the day, while in the classroom. Using a variety of teaching strategies can accommodate a multitude of learning styles in the classroom.
  
  
• You'll strive to include visual, auditory, and movement opportunities in all lessons, as well as opportunities to work cooperatively, individually, and with the large group.
  
  
• You'll keep lesson periods short and vary the pacing from one lesson to the next.
  
  
• You can tell the student's parent(s) that you will strive to redirect their child's interest on those occasions when they become distracted. (The parent(s) will appreciate knowing that you will not embarrass their child in the classroom. Tell the parent(s) that you understand that communications with a student with ADHD in the classroom should be handled sensitively.)
  
  

Home Advice to Share with Your Student's
Parent(s)
You might also provide advice for parents to help their children avoid distractions that interfere with homework. The parent might, for example:

• Establish a daily homework routine. The child may need a break between school and homework.
  
  
• Experiment with the right way to "set the stage" for homework. Some children need a distraction-free environment while others do better with music in the background.
  
  
• Sit down with the child to make sure he or she understands what is required.
  
  
• Supervise constantly; but as the situation improves or the child matures, it may be sufficient to check in from time to time.
  
  
• Provide short breaks between assignments and allow the child to stretch or snack. This often makes the workload more manageable.
  
  
• Break down an assignment into smaller, easier tasks if the child feels overwhelmed. Provide a clear end-point, and a break between tasks.
  
  

Tell your student's parent(s) to talk with you if the student does not have the skills to complete an assignment. Also, ask the parent(s) to talk with you about any assignments that look like they will take the student an inordinately long time to complete.