ADD/ADHD: TEACHER TOOLS FOR MANAGING THE CLASSROOM Tiffany Robinson Aundrea Malatesta Zac Philyaw

“If you’re a teacher, you know these kids: The one who stares out the window, substituting the arc of a bird in flight for her math lesson. The one who wouldn’t be able to keep his rear end in the chair if you used Krazy Glue. The one who answers the question, ‘Who can tell me what the 6th Amendment guarantees?’ with ‘Mrs. M, do you dye your hair?’” 3

WHAT IS ADHD? Use to be known as ADD; renamed ADHD in 1994; ADD is still used to describe a type of ADHD that does not involve hyperactivity (KidsHealth.org) “A behavioral condition that makes focusing on everyday requests and routines challenging” 6 “Typically have trouble getting organized, staying focused, making realistic plans and thinking before acting. They may be fidgety, noisy and unable to adapt to changing situations.” 6 Cannot be cured, only managed 8 Symptoms may improve with aging 8

STATISTICS Affects 10% of school-age children 1 Boys are 3x more likely than girls 1 Around ½ of ADHD children also have a SLD 1 One of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood 5

STRATEGIES: CONTENT DELIVERY Instructions one at a time 3 Most difficult material first 3 Visuals 3 Outlines for note-taking 3 Break down large tasks into small 1 Signal for instructional time 3 List activities for the class time on the board; verbally state lesson, expectations, and materials needed 3 Eye-Contact with Student 3 Do not ask questions or tasks to be performed publicly that may be too difficult 3 Incorporate physical movement into lesson 7 Alternate between seated activities and activities that allow the student to move around the room 7

STRATEGIES: PREVENTING BEHAVIORS Squeeze Koosh ball or tap noiseless object in order to provide physical movement 3 Exercise Disc/Balance Cushion onsumer/product/ac35?gclid=CJS4pqj8ha0CFQVwhwod1A KBTg onsumer/product/ac35?gclid=CJS4pqj8ha0CFQVwhwod1A KBTg Seat student in an area with limited distractions 1 Away from a window Away from doors 7 Near you Front of class Written schedule where student can read it 7

STRATEGIES: STUDENT WORK Teach study skills 1 Underlining Note-taking Reading aloud Find opportunities for student to be physically active 1 Standing while working on assignments Deliver materials to other rooms/offices in the school Class stretch breaks Fifteen Minute Rule 2 Work in increments of 15 minutes using a timer, take breaks between increments when needed Work in partners to allow students to talk quietly 7

STRATEGIES: STUDENT ORGANIZATION Pair student with a buddy to do an end-of-day checklist 1 Color-code subject materials 3 Create a system for the student to use to write down assignments/due dates 3 Encourage and teach student to use a scheduling and assignment book 1

STRATEGIES: BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT Praise students for positive behavior 1 Provide feedback in private 1 Warning signals to manage disruptive behavior 3 Sticky note, shoulder squeeze, hand signal Be careful not to embarrass student 1 Behavior plan close to student, in their sight 7 Immediate consequences, with explanation of why they received it 7

TEACHER TO PARENT Communicate 1 Keep a journal of behavior/progress to share with parents 1 Inform parents that you are willing to make necessary classroom adjustments/ accommodations 4 Be open about your knowledge and understanding of ADHD or lack there-of 4 Be sensitive when sharing problems/concerns with parent 4 Be respectful to parents 4 Allow parent to share student interests/skills you may not know of 4 Ask for their help 1

ADHD RESOURCES: RESOURCES FOR PARENTS WHO REQUEST ADDITIONAL INFORMATION National Resource Center National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities or

SOURCES 1.Kingsley, R.. N.p.. Web. 19 Nov "National Resource Center on ADHD A Program of CHADD." Living with AD/HD: A lifespan disorder. Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD), n.d. Web. 19 Nov "HelpGuide.Org." Teaching Students with ADHD. HelpGuide.Org. Web. 19 Nov Glenn, Ben. "Parent-Teacher Peace: 6 Rules for Better Cooperation." ADDitude Living Well with Attention Deficit. New Hope Media, Web. 19 Nov "ADHD Fact Sheet." CDC. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 19 Nov "ADHD." American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association, n.d. Web. 19 Nov < 7.Segal, Jeanne, and Melinda Smith. "ADD/ADHD and School: Helping Children with ADHD Suceed at School." Helpguide.org. Helpguide.org, n.d. Web. 19 Nov CDC,. 19 Nov