Teaching Strategies for Students with ADHD by Menachem Moscovitz

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder) is a condition that develops from childhood and can be identified if a child has the following symptoms:

• Lack of attention
• Impulse control
• Hyperactivity

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 9 percent of American children between the age group of 13-18 suffer through ADHD, with boys being 4 times more at risk than girls.

Strategies for the classroom by Menachem Moscovitz

• Classroom rules: Teachers should make sure that the classroom rules are concise and clear. Ask students if they understood rules properly or not and post them prominently in the classroom.
• Seating: Students with ADHD are susceptible to distractions more than other students, so make sure the student is seated close to you. Menachem Moscovitz suggests making sure that students with ADHD should be seated away from outdoor distractions such as- doors, windows, cubby areas, etc.
• Appreciation matters: Give students frequent and immediate feedback for good behavior in the classroom. Ignore negative behavior that is minimal and not disruptive. Students who perform well reward them this will encourage them to perform better later on.
• Let students move around: Give students the freedom to move around, run errands to the office or other areas in the school building, erase the board, etc. Allow students to stand up at the desk if it helps them stay active and on task.
• Workload: Try to reduce the workload of students with ADHD. You can break down the workload into smaller sections. Do not let students feel pressurized this would make can result in stress.

With ADHD, effective teachers periodically question children’s understanding of the material, probe for correct answers before calling on other students, and identify which students need additional assistance.

Teachers should keep in mind that transitions from one lesson or class to another are particularly difficult for students with ADHD. When they are prepared for transitions, these children are more likely to respond and to stay on task.

The following set of strategies may assist teachers in conducting effective lessons:

• Conducting lessons: To conduct lessons with students who have ADHD, effective teachers periodically question children’s understanding of the material. Try to identify students who need extra attention. Teachers should follow the following set of strategies to conduct effective lessons:
• Support student participation: Menachem Moscovitz says that no matter how busy you are in your own life, but as a teacher, you have to put in the extra effort. You can provide students with ADHD with clues so that they can stay on task and give a warning that they will be called upon shortly. These little gestures can show great potential in kids. Avoid sarcasm and anger in the classroom even for a short span.
• Help students focus: Encourage students to take on the task and keep working on it. For example, you can give or offer follow-up directions or assign learning partners. These practice does not have to be directed at a single student.

Whether you want to improve your teaching skills or personality skills, Mr. Menachem Moscovitz can help you in every phase of your life.

So, just make an appointment with Mr. Menachem Moscovitz today if you dreadfully want to share your passion in the classroom.