Kids with ADHD are creative, spontaneous, spirited and imaginative. Many children with ADHD score above average on standardized tests. They think outside the box and make us laugh with their ingenious approaches to problem solving.
In spite of those desirable and often sought-after personality traits, parents and teachers struggle to figure out how to manage ADHD at home and in the classroom. That spontaneous, spirited behavior can translate into a fiasco if the child does not learn to control some of the objectionable behaviors often associated with ADHD. The following examples illustrate some of the barriers to learning a child with ADHD might experience.
I Can’t Sit Still
The child with ADHD is determined to do the right thing. He sits in his seat, opens his book to the proper page, and seems prepared to learn. He takes out his pencil, and begins tapping it on his desk. Before you know it, he is also keeping rhythm with his foot or his other hand. The teacher asks him to stop tapping. He complies, but then begins to rock back in his chair. He rocks back a little too far, and ends up flipping over and landing on the floor. The class discussion ends, classmates are howling with laughter, and the teacher is exasperated. Does this sound familiar?
What Is Going On Outside My Window?
It is difficult for a child with ADHD to stay focused. The robin pulling worms from the ground, or the construction going on across the street captivates him, and he loses the ability to pay attention to anything going on in the classroom.
Teachers must be mindful when making seating plans. Seat the child with ADHD close to your desk, away from windows, doors, activity centers and bathrooms. If the child appears to be daydreaming or focusing on what is going on around him, involve him in classroom conversation to re-focus his attention.
I Don’t Understand the Instructions
Kids with ADHD have a hard time processing instructions, especially when given more than one task at a time. He will hear the first part of the directions and disregard the rest. Make instructions simple and divide them into manageable segments. Discussing the assignment and then writing the instructions on the board will help the child with ADHD process the information and subsequently complete the assignment.
What Were Those Rules Again?
Statements such as, “I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to leave the classroom without permission.” or “I hit him because he was staring at me,” are unacceptable in the classroom. The child with ADHD needs constant reminders to monitor his behavior and follow classroom rules. Post classroom rules in a prominent place in the front of the room. Review the rules and expectations as part of the morning routine to assure that all students are aware of them. A gentle reminder is often all it takes for the child with ADHD to be compliant in the classroom. Watch for triggers that might cause a child with ADHD to react inappropriately, and help him avoid abhorrent behavior.
My Handwriting is Terrible
Kids with ADHD struggle with handwriting. They may know the answer to a question and write it down on their test or assignment, but their handwriting is not always legible. Kids with ADHD love to work on computers and many classrooms are equipped with them. How can you help students struggling with these and other barriers to learning?
C8 Sciences’ ACTIVATE™ Program may be the perfect brain training system for your students. If you want to improve brainpower and manage ADHD in the classroom, ACTIVATE™ is your answer.
Let’s take a look at our program and how it can enhance learning for all students, especially those with ADHD and other learning disabilities. You will see your students flourish in the classroom, on the playground, and at home with the implementation of our groundbreaking cross-training program.
The ACTIVATE™ program is unique. ACTIVATE™ was specifically designed to combine a masterful brain-training program with a prudently researched physical exercise component that boosts the ability to learn. Research shows that the brain is shaped through activity. ACTIVATE™ provides a state- of- the- art software cognitive training program that will delight learners and help teachers provide a stimulating learning environment. The physical exercise program helps kids with ADHD burn off steam and improves mental and physical fitness.
ACTIVATE™: How to improve brain power
ACTIVATE™ is the most sophisticated software brain training program ever developed. The games and activities are designed to increase executive function capabilities such as memory training, self-control and the ability to sustain attention in spite of the usual disruptions that occur in the classroom. Kids are assessed as they navigate through the program. The challenge of each game increases as the child masters skills and masters levels of each game. The characters are entertaining and offer encouragement and self-esteem building feedback.
All lessons available for use on computers, Tablets, or other electronic devices, eliminating the frustration associated with poor handwriting or listening skills.
Kids with ADHD experience the joy of success as they develop working memory, speed of information processing, response inhibition and cognitive flexibility.
Managing ADHD and helping kids develop the maximum brain- power they are capable of is a goal educators from around the globe share and strive to achieve. ACTIVATE™ will help you achieve that goal for your students and for yourself, as an effective, progressive educator.