Although the parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are probably tired of listening to the educators’ complaints about the specific needs of their children, it will not be superfluous to once again describe the shared characteristics of the hyperactive children.

   Here are some tips for working with children with ADHD, which from my experience have proofed to be very helpful:

      1. Setting Expectations

   Just like with every child and even adult, one of the first things that needs to be done is to set limits and expectations. The rigid rules are extremely important. The child needs to clearly understand what is expected from him or her. The educator or the parent may effectively use role play in order to demonstrate the right as well as the wrong behavior. The expectations may be less at the beginning, then they can gradually expand. Visual tools like icons, visual schedules, and posters are extremely beneficial. Visual icons can be used as silent rule reminders and minimize the risk of setting the child off.

   2. Self-regulation Skills are Crucial

   The best thing that parents and educators can do is to work together in teaching the child how to self-regulate his or her own behavior. As its maturity level progresses, the child will be able to acquire more and more self-regulation skills. Examples are: following their visual schedule; having a planner; teaching them emotion management and problem solving coping strategies, and strategies to ignore distractions; teaching them how to take turns; and working on following direction activities which will help them learn how to focus better during work time. This is only a small list of the various means that can help teaching the crucial self-regulation skills. They help the child to get more and more independent. 

   3. The Key is the Assessment

   The hyperactive children have to be positively reinforced at all times. They are highly sensitive and pick up more than we expect, so try to avoid criticism and especially sarcasm. Our body gestures, facial expressions, along with the words we say are the most important feedback for our little and not so little hyperactive friends. Praise the child whenever it is deserved. Emphasize on their achievements. Rewarding the positive behavior instead of punishing the negative is the best way. Find what is reinforcing. If positive reinforcement system of some sort is used either at school or at home, make sure that the child clearly understands how it works along with what are the expectations as discussed earlier. Examples of positive reinforcement systems would be: points system, token system, or just a simple checklist. Even something as simple as a sticker chart can be unexpectedly beneficial.

   4  Stick to Routines

    Children with ADHD do not like changes. In order to be able to effectively practice the skills that they’ve been thought, they need to function in an environment which does not require them to adapt frequently. Let’s be honest, not very many adults enjoy constant change either. The reason is anxiety, and anxiety as we all know does not help learning. An updated visual schedule can work miracles for both children and adults.

   5.  Minimize Distractions

   It’s not hard to find out that your hyperactive friend will work a lot better if you accommodate his or her environment by minimizing the existing distractions, and even by trying to avoid the future-coming once. In situations that require intense attention, the hyperactive child should be kept away from distractions as much as possible.

   6. Give Them a Choice

   Ok, if you, just like me have found out that there’s no way to make your little friend stop tapping or stumping his/her foot, it is not going to hurt anyone if you give them a choice of coping strategy. Many children who cannot stay still sometimes need just a fidget toy, or a silly putty to squeeze. However, just like with everything, some expectations need to be set. The consequence of not meeting the expectations can result in taking away the strategy, or it can be used for a certain amount of time only. Visual timers are the best helpers.

   7.  Take Frequent Breaks

  Fatigue increases the manifestations of hyperactivity. Breaks will stop the child’s anxiety and frustration from building up and will keep them motivated. Make sure that breaks are limited, otherwise they quickly stop to reinforce and start being taken for granted. Little bonuses of free time can also be used as extra motivation by rewarding the good behavior with stickers and tallies. Again, visual timers and tools are the best.

  8. Let Them Play Outdoors

Provide opportunities for children to properly get rid of their excess energy and improve their health by playing outside. There’s nothing better than fresh air which will also help them to focus better after the break. If the weather is nice, try to choose outdoor activities over technology breaks.

   9. Help Children Visualize the New Material

Introduce the new information through demonstration and a variety of other methods to visualize. Examples are graphic organizers, diagrams, and outlines. Various innovative methods of teaching will help the children focus and remember better. They will also make your lesson more interesting and attention catching, which is exactly what your hyperactive friends need.

   10. Success Requires Team Work

Consult with more and different specialists that are involved in the child’s education. The benefit is that every professional who works with the child can contribute to his or her learning. In conclusion I can say that this is just a short list of all the different strategies that can be used to help children with ADHD focus and therefor learn better. Feel free to experiment and find your own. The main thing is to care about the child and to create a strong and unique bond. Just remember, any child can make a progress. It’s only a matter of effort and care!