One of the most common requests I get from teachers is for ideas to help students with ADHD be successful in their classrooms. Getting started or following through with tasks that require executive functioning skills can be a huge struggle for these students. But, we can set them up for success with classroom accommodations for ADHD. Keep reading to find 10 easy-to-implement strategies!
Classroom Accommodations for ADHD
1 – Visual Schedules
Displaying visual schedules for kids is so helpful for keeping everyone on task. Remove items or check them off when completed so students can see visual progress throughout the day.
2 – Time Limited Goals
Set small, time limited goals throughout the day. For example:
- Complete as many math problems as you can before this timer goes off
- Complete 3 sentences in 10 minutes
- Highlight as many double ee words in the paragraph as you can before the 5 minute timer goes off
3 – Hands-on Activities
As often as possible, offer opportunities for hands-on learning with things like
- math manipulatives
- clip task cards
- sorting games
- build words with magnets
4 – Visual Aids
Use visual aids to engage students in learning. As much as possible, also limit visual distractions by putting away older visual aids or other distracting external visual stimuli.
5 – Structured Breaks
Offer structured breaks throughout longer tasks (and include them on the visual schedule!). Breaks can be structured based on time or completion:
- After 10 minutes of work, take a 3 minute break with timers
- After completing 5 math problems, take a 5 minute break with a timer
6 – Incorporate Exercise
Offering opportunities for exercise can go a long way for ALL kids! Try things like:
- Active movement breaks like roll a die and complete a corresponding exercise
- Classroom yoga (standing or chair yoga)
- Wall pushups, wall squats
7 – Chunk Tasks
For longer assignments, break things into smaller chunks for students. When presented with long projects or assignments, students may feel overwhelmed or have trouble initiating tasks. Give kids small pieces of the assignment to complete along the way to give them opportunities for feeling successful.
8 – Offer Checklists
For projects, assignments, or even daily routines, give kids checklists to help them stay organized. Or give them a list of supplies they’ll need, steps they need to complete, etc.
9 – Limit (& Offer) Distractions
As much as is reasonable, limit distractions around the student by seating them with lesser-distracting peers, away from open windows, etc. But, it’s also okay to offer preferred, non-problematic distractions like fidgets if they help support student focus.
10 – Flexible Seating Options
Movement opportunities can be offered in seating too. Wobble stools, chair bands, and floor desks are great tools to allow students to work in flexible positions that support their movement needs.
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