Training by Hilary Nunns Homework tips- ADHD Training by Hilary Nunns

ADHD Scattered thoughts Poor memory Fidgety/restless Short concentration span Poor organisation/time management

Focused Good concentration Able to sit still Good time planner Learner attributes Focused Good concentration Able to sit still Good time planner Memory skills

When it comes to learning with ADHD

Behavioural Symptoms Poor Social Skills Excessive Talking Risky Behaviour Attention Seeking Sensation Seeking Extremely ‘Short Fuse’ Lying Impatience Swearing Interrupting Others Daydreaming Disorganisation

Refusing to do homework? Meltdowns? Getting detentions? Poor quality?

What are the barriers to homework? Rigid thinking School is school, home is home Keeping it together all day, need to let go of the stress Does the child understand what they have to do? Fear of failure

Set aside a particular homework space Have a clear start/end time Allow break times – set these and keep to them Write a plan for what will happen if things go wrong ie calming/drink/squeeze ball

Build up confidence Start with something that they CAN do Record responses into a phone (or similar) Write up on PC or tablet (if possible) then handwrite in book

Build up confidence Use rewards (not punishment) Don’t nag! – help to correct errors rather than focusing on what’s gone wrong

Use reward jars 10 minutes extra TV Friend for tea Points to add up ie Trip to cinema

Use rewards Reward cube Egg timers Hugs, cuddles Others?

Overturn the negative talk “I can’t do this” “I’m stupid” Listen Overturn the negative talk “I can’t do this” “I’m stupid” Ignore irritating behaviour (work avoidance)

Verbal strategies “Lets see how quickly we can get this work done properly” “Wow you are really working hard! “We’ve almost finished” “When we’ve done this……. Then we can do [that]

Examples When you’ve completed this bit, then you can take a grape from the jar When this section is done, then you can roll the cube for a treat When we’ve written this in your book, then we can clear up and put everything away

ADHD – Help with learning Highlight or underline key words Encourage and instigate seat breaks or movement Use a lot of visuals Voice recordings, then write up Create tactile learning activities and props

Identify main points Highlight priority points of the task, verbally and visually Pick out any new vocabulary Encourage recording of new vocabulary: Personal dictionary

Thank you