Educator Tools

Educators play a crucial role in the success of students with ADHD. These resources are designed to help you create an inclusive, supportive classroom environment where all students can thrive.

Understanding ADHD in the Classroom

ADHD can manifest in various ways in educational settings:

• Difficulty sustaining attention during lectures or independent work
• Challenges with starting or completing tasks
• Inconsistent performance across subjects or days
• Difficulty with transitions between activities
• Challenges with organization and time management
• Impulsivity in answering questions or interacting with peers
• Physical restlessness or fidgeting

It's important to remember that these behaviors are not willful or the result of laziness—they are symptoms of a neurodevelopmental condition that affects executive functioning.

Classroom Management Strategies

These strategies can benefit all students while particularly supporting those with ADHD:

• Establish clear routines and expectations with visual reminders
• Provide a structured environment with minimal visual distractions
• Position students with ADHD away from high-traffic areas or windows
• Use attention signals that engage multiple senses (visual and auditory)
• Build in movement breaks throughout the day
• Create a designated "quiet space" where students can go when feeling overwhelmed
• Use positive reinforcement to acknowledge on-task behavior
• Implement a private signal system to redirect attention without embarrassment

Differentiated Instruction

Adapting teaching methods can significantly improve engagement and learning:

• Break longer lessons into shorter segments
• Incorporate multisensory teaching approaches (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
• Use graphic organizers to structure information
• Provide both verbal and written instructions
• Incorporate student interests into lesson content when possible
• Allow for choice in demonstrating knowledge (projects, presentations, written work)
• Use technology to enhance engagement
• Implement active learning strategies that get students moving and participating

Accommodations and Modifications

Consider these adjustments to help students with ADHD succeed:

• Extended time for tests and assignments
• Reduced homework load or chunked assignments
• Provide note-taking assistance or guided notes
• Allow for movement or fidget tools during seat work
• Provide checklists for multi-step tasks
• Give frequent feedback and check-ins during independent work
• Allow for typed rather than handwritten assignments when appropriate
• Provide a second set of textbooks for home use
• Consider alternative testing environments with fewer distractions

Utilizing Think Tutor in the Classroom

Think Tutor can be a valuable addition to your teaching toolkit:

• Use as a station during center rotations
• Assign specific modules that align with current curriculum
• Review student progress data to identify areas needing additional support
• Use the app's visual and interactive elements to reinforce concepts taught in class
• Allow students to use the app during designated "choice time"
• Incorporate group discussions about strategies learned through the app

Collaboration with Parents and Support Staff

A team approach is often most effective:

• Maintain regular communication with parents about successes, not just challenges
• Share strategies that work well in the classroom
• Ask parents about effective approaches used at home
• Collaborate with special education teachers, counselors, and school psychologists
• Participate actively in IEP or 504 Plan meetings
• Provide updates on medication effectiveness if applicable (with parent permission)

Professional Development Resources

Expand your knowledge with these resources:

• CHADD's Educator Resources
• Understood.org's Teacher Toolkit
• ADDitude Magazine's School & Learning Section
• Intervention Central