Reading and Literacy

Teaching children with Attention Deficit Disorder can be a challenge if you don’t follow these teaching programs.

Many schools and parents recognize the benefits of teaching children with Attention Deficit Disorder within a classroom environment, and although this can be disruptive for the other children if not handled correctly, it is a good idea if possible to socialize the child into the class while following other general rules for children with Attention Deficit Disorder and teaching programs.

The Three Main Characteristics of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Note that not all ADD children will show all of these signs, but they are the most common characteristics in children with ADD.

1. Attention Span – Children with ADD may be disruptive in class because they often have a very short attention span. They tend to pay very little attention to detail and are prone to careless mistakes, not listening or following instructions, failing to finish tasks, easily become distracted from the job at hand and can be disorganized and forgetful.
2. Hyperactivity – An ADD child may find it extremely difficult to sit still in class and run around at inappropriate times. Excessive talking can also be a problem which can disrupt the education of other students in the class, and being quiet, taking turns and waiting in line can all sometimes prove to be very difficult, if not impossible without use of a specific teaching program.
3. Uncontrolled Impulses – Children with ADD will often have difficult when expected to wait turns, interrupt other children in the class and often shout out answers to questions before they are even completed.

Helping Children with Attention Deficit Disorder and Teaching Programs

There are teaching programs which can help schools to integrate children with ADD into a classroom environment without causing too much disruption to the education of the rest of the class. By following a few simple rules, the ADD child can learn to have more control over behavior and socialize with other children.

• Ensure that the child writes down all tasks expected of him throughout each day. If the child has problems with this exercise, then the teacher can help.
• Sign the notebook and utilize it for daily communication with parents, who should also sign the book regarding homework etc.
• Only assign one task at a time to a child with ADD, monitoring the child’s progress with the task frequently.
• Seat the child near the front of the class with his back to the rest of the class to avoid distractions.
• Always allow plenty of time for the child to complete his task. Children who suffer from ADD often take much longer to complete tasks, make sure that you make allowances for this and mark the content of the work, not the time taken.
• Try to maintain a calm, positive attitude towards the child at all times. Reward achievements in order to build self esteem, and use praise and encouragement as much as possible in your education teaching program.

If schools have staff that is sufficiently trained to follow these guidelines and teaching programs, then there is no reason why children who suffer from ADD cannot receive their education in a normal classroom situation for much of the time. Schools for those with learning disabilities may become the best option.