School isn’t the same for everybody. In many ways, that can be part of the brilliance of it – many kids start to learn about themselves there and build their identities.
However, it might also be fair to say that kids can encounter unique challenges too. The children that have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can experience hardships, as some of the symptoms include struggling to concentrate and generally feeling restless. Impulsivity can sometimes be a problem too.
Still, kids with ADHD shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves. Educational institutions can do more today to help them than ever before. After the jump, you should find a few useful suggestions.
Utilizing Technology
Technology is a supportive tool for teachers and students alike. It keeps getting better, too, with exciting developments always being realized.
Voice AI can be a big help here. Depending on the software used, the technology has the potential to make learning more interactive, which can help kids with ADHD stay engaged for longer. It could also help with things like task management, sending out prompts and alerts to users so they can better work to a reliable schedule.
It’s also worth researching how voice tech is transforming literacy as well. It can provide insightful data on a child’s reading development, giving teachers greater knowledge of their students’ capabilities. Prosody (students’ expression while reading) and general reading accuracy can all be monitored. If teachers can utilize this type of tech, they can more easily understand their pupils and personalize their approach to learning, which will benefit kids whether they have ADHD or not.
Schedule Breaks
We mentioned that tech might be able to help children focus their attention. However, the nature of ADHD is that the people who have it can’t sustain their attention for extended amounts of time.
Instead of eliminating breaks in the classroom entirely, it’s better to incorporate them organically. Shorter breaks that are smartly scheduled allow the kids to recharge and give teachers breathing room to assess situations and adapt accordingly.
Teachers should negotiate these procedures with the kids, their parents, and any other relevant parties. Once needs are accommodated, those with ADHD will realize that academia might be for them after all!
Collaborating with Others
Teachers can sometimes feel alone when teaching kids with any type of struggle. However, that’s not always the case.
There are a few people teachers can confide with if they’re uncertain about how to proceed. They include:
- Colleagues in the institution – Perhaps other teachers have experience teaching kids with ADHD and similar disorders? School counsellors and special education teachers may also be able to advise.
- Parents of the child – Nobody knows a child as well as their parents do. Perhaps they can be further involved in the teaching of the child?
- Outside support professionals – Therapists and doctors may be liaising with the school and parents for one reason or another. Teachers may not always be privy to those details, but sometimes, they may be involved as part of a wider care program. Other experts may research ADHD and have a service for consultation and enquiries.
So, teaching kids with ADHD can be a team effort. Situations can vary but try to remember there’s help when needed.
