Fresh And Approved ADHD Classroom Accommodations

By Frances Scott


Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder causes children to lose focus, be impulsive and also hyperactive, making it difficult for them to concentrate in class. It is very difficult and almost impossible for them to learn in an ordinary classroom. As a teacher or education officer, you will need to consider ADHD classroom accommodations to ensure that learning still takes place despite the difficulties. The accommodations regard tasks given, the environment, class positioning, activities and other enablers of learning.

The student should be positioned as close as possible to the door or window. This should also be as near as possible to the teacher. The idea is to ensure that he or she does not lose concentration. The teacher can also provide all the attention required by the affected student. It is easier to provide attention faster whenever the pupil needs it.

The sitting area needs modification to ensure that you have more room. Children with this condition are uncomfortable in a cluttered area. They also are sensitive to close contact and will react negatively. Such modifications as resistance bands, foot rests and seat cushions will make it easier for them to sit in class. With easy movement, such a student will enjoy class sessions and even perform better.

Organization is a problem for pupils with ADHD. Some of the ways you can accommodate such students includes allowing the use of assignment notebooks and provision of extra note books that can be kept at home. Provide folders where they can keep accessories like books, pens and learning gadgets to ensure that their desks are organized.

Introduce a routine for such students to make it easier to follow. The beauty of routines is their repetitive nature. It gives them confidence since the actions are repetitive. They are also denied an opportunity for lost focus, lack of concentration or idleness. A routine ensures that necessary tasks are completed without the need for supervision. It will also help to have a color code that represents each subject. The students can easily identify subjects with colors.

Assignments and tests are an ordinary part of any learning environment. Students with attention deficit disorder are likely to be branded as poor in class. The remedy is to provide shorter tests as opposed to the long ones designed for normal students that also capture a lot of questions. The space provided for the test should also be quiet to enhance concentration. Provide extra time for the student to complete his tasks.

Make a provision for an ADHD student to answer questions verbally while others write. Word processing software may also be used during tests and assignments that use computers. When an assignment or test is returned partially done, do not be mad. Appreciate the effort, give credit based on what is done and ignore the need for neatness.

It is no secret that pupils with attention deficit require extra attention. Take the initiative to follow and ensure that class content is understood. Use gestures to call for attention and remember that the accommodation for one student might not be similar to that of other students. You should be proactive by identifying what will work for one and not the other.




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