Photos from the group’s interaction with ADHD children are withheld for privacy reasons.
Tutoring a student with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a challenge. A student with ADHD is often disorganized and disinterested. Sometimes he or she can be defiant – creating a power struggle between tutor and student. At other times, the student can be compulsive or unable to self-direct. Here are several tutoring tips for ADHD students.
Although ADHD comes with some disabilities, it also comes with some abilities, such as creativity and the ability to multitask. A student with ADHD can learn, and it’s a tutor’s job to open the window that makes it happen. A tutor must be sure to set clear boundaries and be certain the student understands why he or she is receiving tutoring. If a tutor is firm and fair, he or she can keep a student with ADHD on task and learning.
Getting to know the student
No two students with ADHD are alike. So the first objective in working with a student who has ADHD is to get to know the student. Find out the student’s goals, hobbies, and what he or she enjoys doing during spare time.
Learn what tasks are difficult for the student, and discover how the student best learns. Discover whether starting or finishing a task is more difficult for him or her to do.
Gauge your questions based on the student’s age and maturity. When the student senses you are genuinely interested in helping him or her, you will be allowed to do so.
Getting organized
Next, you will want to help the student get organized. You may need to go through the student’s notebooks, schoolwork, backpacks, desk, or locker in order to accomplish this.
A great organizational tip is to color-coordinate subjects. Make subject folders match corresponding textbook colors. These tutoring tips for ADHD students help them get a matching set to the correct classroom and home as homework.
Let the student decide on colors used, and let him or her have as much input in organization as possible. The more the student feels a part of the organizational plan, the more apt he or she is to follow it.
Scheduling
Demonstrate how to schedule. Make out a daily list of tasks that need to occur before tomorrow. Then do the same with a weekly schedule and a monthly one. In order to see the big picture, the student needs to be able to view at least one month in advance.
When scheduling, be sure to include social activities. You might want to question the student about what will happen if homework is not completed prior to an anticipated social event.
Breaking apart big tasks
One of the best time management tips is to break big tasks down into manageable segments. Then a student will not become so frustrated with a massive assignment. Also, the student will be able to take a break between segments.
Keeping the student on task between breaks means you might need to incorporate an egg timer or a stopwatch to set limits for certain tasks. Breaks should not exceed 5 minutes, and breaks can be considered a reward for completing a task.
A general rule is to break at least once every 20 minutes for younger students and at least once per hour for older ones.
Making accommodations
Make certain to use accommodations or interventions when needed that can be slowly removed as the student becomes more independent. Keep your lessons short and focus on one concept at a time. And do remove as many distractions from the learning environment as possible.
Keeping learning fun
Tutors need to make lessons fun and exciting and remember to work with a child’s strengths or preferred learning style. It also helps to keep the student’s hands busy. Plan to keep him or her entertained while learning with new visuals to look at and tactile activities.
If the student seems to be struggling with a concept, change the subject for a bit and then return. Take small steps and be patient. When appropriate, consider giving tangible or verbal rewards.
Teaching memory skills
Teach the student with ADHD how to make and keep lists for remembering things. Question the student about how he or she is going to remember something. You might consider writing important details in red to make them stand out more. And when giving directions, give them face to face and in writing.
Getting parent’s help
Request that no sweets be eaten before the lesson. And if possible, request that the student get some fresh air and a little exercise just before coming for tutoring. It does wonders for concentration. If you can get hold of a student’s mind, you can teach him or her something.
Get to know your student, get organized, schedule, break apart big tasks, make accommodations, keep learning fun, teach memory skills, and request the help of parents. With these tutoring tips for ADHD students, you should see learning happen for your young pupils. Once it does, the student’s own accomplishments will become his or her motivation for concentrating and learning.
Disclaimer to the article
A Storyteller’s Tutoring Tips for ADHD Students
Disclaimer: I’d like to express that this article is not intended to cure or prevent ADHD. I also do not in any way guarantee the accuracy or usefulness of the blog post and will not be held responsible for any actions you do to your child in any way of the message. Always consult your doctor for specific medical advice.
I don’t possess any special medical training and therefore do not consider myself an authority figure. Whatever tips I have had successfully worked in our organization, but might not work with yours. Please conduct a comprehensive research on the said area of interest or seek help from a physician. We assume no liability for your use of this website or reliance on any of the information provided.
My advocacy group, Bata Ako Ph, have handled children with special needs, especially children with ADHD. This is our story. Some of these tutoring tips for ADHD students might work, and some won’t. So, please, be advised.
