Attention Deficit Disorder A syndrome, usually diagnosed in childhood, characterized by a persistent pattern of impulsiveness, a short attention span, and often hyperactivity, and interfering especially with academic, occupational, and social performance.

Characteristics Difficulty sitting quietly, staying in one place, listening, paying attention, or concentrating Easily distracted Frequently off task or off topic Can be moody or socially inept Low tolerance for frustration Highly disorganized Impulsivity May be unable to control aggression or emotions

Stop & Jot: Based on the characteristics, which students come to mind?

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Easily distracted by: classroom activity activity visible through windows or doors daydreaming Seat student front and center, away from distractions. Cue student to stay on task using a private signal.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Engages in attention- seeking behavior (for positive or negative attention) Seat student near good role model. Provide positive praise or adequate positive attention when student exhibits appropriate behavior. Ignore minor inappropriate behavior. Use a Behavior contract.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Does well at the beginning of an assignment, but quality decreases towards the end Break assignments into smaller parts. Shorten assignments or work periods.

Turn & Talk:. Which strategies have you tried and found successful Turn & Talk: * Which strategies have you tried and found successful? * Name a new strategy that you’d like to try on!

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Turns work in with careless errors Schedule a five-minute period to check over work before turning in homework, classwork, or tests.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Blurts out answers or interrupts others Acknowledge correct answers only when hand is raised and student is called upon. Behavior contract for small increments of time.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Needs reinforcement Send daily or weekly progress reports home. Provide frequent verbal praise. Implement a token economy.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Needs long-term help with improving behavior. Set up a behavior contract with short term, achievable goals and reinforcements, and track over time.

Turn & Talk:. Which strategies have you tried and found successful Turn & Talk: * Which strategies have you tried and found successful? * Name a new strategy that you’d like to try on!

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Can’t keep track of papers Give student an accordion folder or binder. Use checklist on folder and contracts.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Needs to move around; fidgety Allow student to run errands or be a class helper (paper monitor, light monitor, chart pointer, phone monitor, etc.). Allow student to stand at times while working. Allow child to move to different work stations. Allow child to lay on area rug to work. Allow child to sit on a buoyancy cushion or exercise ball. Allow child to squeeze a stress ball or use a tangle toy.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Is easily frustrated Acknowledge appropriate behavior and good work frequently. Chunk work assignments (folding the paper back, do odd/even problems, do 2 rows, etc.). Allow extra time to complete assignments. Teach student to use coping strategies.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Is unable to complete work in a given time Chunk work assignments (folding the paper back, do odd/even problems, do 2 rows, etc.). Allow extra time to complete assignments. Allow the child to show mastery with fewer problems or items.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Has difficulty following instructions Pair written instructions with oral instructions. Provide visual cues. Chart instructions. Provide a checklist of tasks or steps for project completion. Have student repeat instructions without calling undue attention to him/her.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Unable to keep up with class discussion or note- taking Provide teacher notes, PowerPoint/Keynote slides, or notes pages. Provide visual aids (e.g., cell phone photo of lesson charts). Provide peer assistance for note taking. Use turn and talk strategy frequently. Pre-teach or frontload the child with topic to encourage participation in oral discussion.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Complains that lessons are boring or fails to see the point of a lesson or activity Make connections to prior knowledge or real life applications. Provide verbal praise for positive participation. Try technology-based programs as instructional tools and/or reinforcers. Seek to involve them in lesson presentation.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Easily angered Provide positive, alternative responses to things that anger them. “I messages” – Model calm, assertive statements (“I don’t like it when you_____.” “Would you please stop?” “I need more time.” “Can you say that again, please?”). Take a break (walk away). Count to 10. Deep breathing exercises Take a minute to talk to the child to calm him or her down. Provide a “safety zone” where they can go to cool off. Give them a distracting task or errand.

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Has trouble remembering assignments Record assignments on a chart, the board, or on the teacher web page. Have student use an agenda or assignment notebook. Peer or teacher checks recording of assignments.  

How does it manifest in the classroom? Classroom Strategies Lacks awareness of others’ personal space Provide a defined work- space or seating space on area rug. Increase distance between desks.

Play Video