For children with attention deficit disorder (ADD ADHD) ruled by their impulses, calling out in class or pushing to the front of the line comes naturally. These kids live in the moment, undeterred by rules or consequences. Even when they are rude or unruly, they may not recognize that their school behavior is disturbing to others.
Lack of impulse control may be the most difficult ADD symptom to change. Medication can help, but kids also need clear expectations, positive incentives, and predictable consequences if they are to learn to regulate their behavior.
Solutions
In the Classroom
- Lead your students in compiling a list of class rules. Include some that are difficult for children with ADHD, such as "Always raise your hand to ask for help." Be sure to define each rule: What does it mean to "Use materials appropriately"?
- Discuss the consequences of breaking a rule. Many teachers find that student behavior improves when rule-breaking results in the loss of something a child values. One such approach is the Stoplight System. Students earn rewards for good behavior, but lose them for infractions.
In general, discipline should be immediate. If one student pushes another on the playground, for example, have him sit out part of recess. A delayed consequence - such as after-school detention - doesn't work for kids who have trouble anticipating outcomes.
- Provide visual reminders to keep kids on track. To spare a child the embarrassment of frequent reprimands, agree upon a secret gesture you'll use to signal her to stay in her seat or to stop calling out. Some children benefit from a reminder taped to the desk. That, too, can be private; no one else has to know that "N.I." stands for "No Interrupting."
- Encourage appropriate behavior with recognition and rewards. This is especially important for ADDers, who get a lot of negative attention for misconduct. Acknowledge good behavior with specific praise, such as: "Edward, I appreciate how quickly and quietly you cleared your desk." Some older children are embarrassed by compliments - so give a thumbs-up or a pat on the back instead.
- Write the day's schedule on the blackboard, and erase items as they're completed. This gives children with ADHD a sense of being in control of their day. Provide advance notice of any changes to the usual routine.
- Issue frequent alerts as the end of an activity draws near. Give the class a five-minute warning, and then a two-minute warning, to ease the transition from one activity to the next. Devise a plan for students for whom change is especially difficult. Assign them to a special task, like collecting classmates' papers, to help them maintain self-control.
- Use a daily report card. This tool allows a child's teacher and parents to monitor academic and behavioral goals - and gives the child a chance to earn rewards. Each day, the teacher records whether the goals were met, and the child takes the report card home to show his parents.
This article comes from the August/September 2006 issue of ADDitude.
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