Want Better Behavior? Don’t Ask

One teacher issues commands, not requests, to get all students’ attention — and compliance.

ADHD at School: Simplify for Success

“I try to issue instructions in the form of a command, not a question. Some students interpret ‘Would you open your math books to page 45?’ as a choice. But when I skip ‘would you,’ all books are opened. The same is true with my own children. ‘Why don’t you wash up for dinner now?’ never results in clean hands.”

Karen Sunderhaft, fourth-grade teacher, Shaker Heights, Ohio

ADDitude Picks: Best Resources for Behavior and Discipline

Is This Parenting Style Too Strict for Our Child?