5.2: What can be done to handle students with ADHD in the classroom?
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by Amy B. Williams
Learning Objectives
- Be able to recognize symptoms of ADHD.
- Comprehend the need for behavioral modification to be used in the classroom with an ADHD student.
- Be able to differentiate between positive reinforcement and negative reinforcement.
- Understand the important role of the teacher in making a connection with the ADHD student.
Introduction
It is inevitable in a teacher's career that a student diagnosed with ADHD will be present in their classroom. It will most likely be one of the biggest challenges a teacher can face. They can experience frustration and exhaustion, which will then trickle down to the rest of their students in the classroom. Turning the event of having a student with ADHD into a positive experience, incorporating behavioral modifications, and using classroom techniques will result in success. Success for the teacher, the ADHD student and the entire classroom. Behavior modifications and classroom modifications can be the lifeline for a teacher with an ADHD student, but more importantly, they teach the student very valuable skills to exist within the confines of their diagnosis.
Note
http://www.ed.gov/teachers/needs/speced/adhd/adhd-resource-pt2.pdf
Teaching Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Instructional Strategies And Practices
Written by the U.S Department of Education and covers everything from how to identify ADHD, great teacher strategies to classroom seating plans. It is 32 pages full of everything a teacher needs to survive in the classroom!
It's Everywhere, It's Everywhere: Statistical Data and Information
Let's begin by briefly looking into the scientific data to allow for a better understanding of ADHD. ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. The American Psychiatric Association defines ADHD as a "persistent pattern of inattention or hyperactivity-impulsivity that is more frequently displayed and more severe than is typically observed in individuals at a comparable level of development" (Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2000, p. 85). ADD stands for Attention Deficit Disorder and is also a form of ADHD. ADD is not accompanied by hyperactivity (Swanson, 2007). Barkley discusses in his book the staggering toll that ADHD has unleashed on society. He conservatively estimates that 1-2 ADHD students will be present in every classroom in the United States. This breaks down to 2.5 million school-age students that are diagnosed with ADHD or 5-8% of all children attending school (Barkley, 2005). So in every classroom there will most likely be two students diagnosed with ADHD. Teachers are going to have to be proactive by understanding the symptoms of ADHD so let's discuss some a teacher might encounter with an ADHD student.
You're So Smart Now Act Like It: Characteristics of ADHD
Not too uncommon words from a teacher who is frustrated with a student's behavior who they feel is bright and clever, but just can't get to the final stage in a project, sentence or thought. Teachers also witness the impulsive, unorganized, and easily distracted student, along with the fidgety hands, excessive talking, forgetfulness and inability to stay in their seat (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 2000). In Charles's book, he discusses a hidden meaning behind the inappropriate behavior of a student with ADHD. The hidden meaning is a cry for help saying "reach me and their desire for a connection with their teacher and to be accepted" (Charles, 2008, p. 167). Teachers can look at the glass half-full or half-empty when dealing with a student with ADHD. Making a connection with the student and incorporating behavior and classroom modifications will yield a higher success rate.
Dr. Pavlov, May I Use A Dog Or Two?: Behavior Modification
Two words can sum up the teacher's approach to the ADHD student in the classroom: behavior modification. It will be their life preserver when dealing with the student by using both positive and negative reinforcement. Let's look closer into just what positive and negative reinforcement consists of:
Note
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/teacher.shtml
Classroom Interventions for Children with ADHD
Outstanding website for teachers to use in the classroom that is full of ideas and strategies. It gives different scenarios with appropriate accommodations that should be made.
Don't enter the classroom without it!
Positive Reinforcement
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- A touch on the shoulder and a smile so the student knows what good behavior is (Barkley, 2005).
- Ask the ADHD student what types of rewards they enjoy within the first few days of school (Rief, 2007.)
- Tape a piece of paper down on the corner of a desk and as you pass by the student place a sticker on it (Barkley, 2005).
- Place smiley posters up randomly throughout the classroom and stand next to one when the student is making good choices (Barkley,
- 2005).
- Use verbal reinforcement with positive praise (Harwell, 2001). An example might be, "How wonderful you raised your hand instead of
- just blurting out the answer Hayden." To change the reward system up a bit, allow special privileges like lunch with the teacher,
- extra time on the computer, and extra recess (Barkley, 2005).
- Use a token system for immediate rewards. In other words, a teacher might want to start with every 2-3 tokens resulting in candy,
- stickers, special classroom duties or free play (Barkley, 2005).
- Give the ADHD student specific tasks (e.g., turning off/on lights, pencil and paper pusher) that will require movement in the
- classroom. Students can also be allowed to move around the room quietly after they complete a task (Nowacek and Mamlin, 2007. An
- example might be, "Hayden, when you are finished with your writing I want you to quietly get up and walk around the classroom for me
- three times while you are keeping your eyes and hands to yourself."
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Negative Reinforcement
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- Ignoring mild inappropriate behavior (Nowacek and Mamlin, 2007). An example might be, "Alright, I see all but two of my students sitting in
- their chairs and getting ready to go to lunch." This is purposely ignoring the inappropriate behavior, while rewarding the students with
- appropriate behavior.
- Putting a hand on the student's shoulder to remind him or her their behavior is escalating ("Advice for schools..., 2005).
- If the student is destructive or disruptive, the teacher can incorporate a time out system where the student is immediately asked to put away
- their work and place their head on their desk (Barkley, 2005).
- Use a timer that is started when bad behavior is occurring, which is then taken off recess time for the ADHD student (Barkley, 2005).
- Start each day by giving the student 15 minutes of free time to use in the classroom. From that time, the teacher can deduct a minute of free
- time for every instance the student was seen not working or acting inappropriately (Barkley, 2005).
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Behavior modification is a useful and positive tool that emphasizes appropriate behavior instead of inappropriate behavior. In addition to behavior modification, there are some other techniques teachers can also incorporate inside the classroom. Let's take a closer look at some of these techniques in the next section.
Tricks Of The Trade: Classroom Modifications
Not only is behavioral modification and reinforcement pivotal in dealing with ADHD students, but just as imperative are classroom modifications. One simply cannot have one without the other. This is really what it is all about: surviving and keeping control of the classroom. Let's take a closer look at the following techniques, which can be used as a cheat sheet for teachers in dealing with ADHD students:
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- Provide structure at all times in the classroom and remain calm (Charles, 2008).
- Get eye contact before giving instructions or asking questions (Rief, 2005).
- Stand close to the student to allow for less distraction (Charles, 2008).
- State directions in a logical and ordered sequence (e.g., first, next, last). The teacher should aim for educating the student on how to
- follow rules as quickly as possible without repeating them (Charles, 2008).
- Have the student repeat verbal instructions to ensure he or she clearly understands what is being said (Rief, 2007).
- Provide advanced warning when a change is about to take place (e.g., in five minutes we are going to put away our math work and begin our
- reading). This reduces anxiety and frustration (Rief, 2007).
- Use webbing techniques for writing and graphic organizers, which helps with visual-spatial skills (Harwell, 2007).
- Take five minutes with the student each day to make sure he or she is using a planner for organization (Harwell, 2007).
- Charts and outlines are useful in maintaining attention and understanding concepts (Harwell, 2007).
- Divide tasks into chunks to help decrease frustration and make tasks obtainable (Swanson, 2007). An example might be, "Hayden, we
- will do 15 minutes of writing and 5 minutes of computer."
- Consider shortening assignments if they are too long and overwhelming to the student (Nowacek and Mamlin, 2007).
- Utilize the computer as much as possible with an ADHD student as it will give them immediate feedback (Amen, 2001).
- Give the student encouraging and positive feedback to increase his or her motivation and attention (Rief, 2005).
- Consider how desks are arranged in the classroom and be sure ADHD students are grouped with other non-diagnosed students. Frequently switch
- groups of two students so the ADHD student builds relationships with other students in the classroom. An ADHD student wants nothing more than
- to be accepted by others (Nowacek and Mamlin, 2007).
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It's a great idea to have a copy of these techniques handy, even laminated, to reference them quickly when just beginning to teach a student with ADHD.
Note
user.cybrzn.com/kenyonck/add/teaching_tips.html
Teaching Tips For Those Working With ADHD Kids
Dawn Hogan, a 2nd grade teacher from Connecticut, has a fantastic website for teachers. Her first hand experience and knowledge are priceless.
This is a must see!
Final Thoughts
As learned in this article, there is no magic pill or ointment to make the symptoms of ADHD disappear. The teacher needs to be able to face this adversity with a smile, words of support and determination. A deep connection with the ADHD student along with both behavior and classroom modifications are more likely to result in a stimulating and positive educational experience. Teamwork involving teachers, the ADHD student, parents, fellow students and administration is the only way to help combat the diagnosis of ADHD. Students who are ADHD must be taught not just from a book, but they also need to hear they are special and discover that their differences are okay. The success rate for ADHD students depends on the teacher, the teacher's attitude, classroom tips and techniques being used, and their knowledge and comfort level of behavior modification involving both positive and negative reinforcements.
References
"Advice for schools teaching children with ADHD.: The Practioner (July 7, 2005): 525. 1-2. Academic OneFile . Gale. Lord Fairfax Community College. 27 May 2008.
Amen, Daniel. (2001). Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You To See and Heal the 6 Types of ADD. New York: Berkley Books.
American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision (Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association, 2000).
Barkley, Russell, A.(2005). Taking Charge of ADHD: The complete, authoritative guide for parents (rev. ed.). New York: Gilford.
Charles, C., M. (2008). Today's Best Classroom Management Strategies: Paths to Positive Discipline. Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.
Harwell, Joan, M. (2007). Complete Learning Disabilities Handbook. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Nowacek, E., Jane, & Mamlin, Nancy. "General education teachers and students with ADHD: what modifications are made?" Preventing School Failure 51.3 (Spring 2007): 28 (8), 11-14. Academic OneFile . Gale. Lord Fairfax Community College. 27 May 2008. http://www.galegroup.com
Rief, Sandra. (2005). How To Reach And Teach Children With ADD/ADHD: Practical Techniques, Strategies, and Interventions. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Swanson, Carl. "Students with ADHD." Journal of Singing 64.2 (Nov-Dec 2007): 217 (5). Academic OneFile . Gale. Lord Fairfax Community College. 27 May 2008, 1-2, 1-8. http://www.galegroup.com .
user.cybrzn.com/kenyonck/add/teaching_tips.html. Teaching Tips For Those Working With ADHD Kids.
http://www.childdevelopmentinfo.com/learning/teacher.shtml . Classroom Interventions For Children With ADHD.
http://www.ed.gov/teachers/needs/speced/adhd/adhd-resource-pt2.pdf . Teaching Children With Attention Deficit Disorder Hyperactivity Disorder: Instructional Strategies and Practices 2004.