A key consideration to teaching children with ADHD is structure:
- A regular timetable from Monday to Friday with a consistent pattern of lessons is preferable. The worst scenario is different classes occurring on different days in different classrooms with different teachers
- Lunchtimes and breaktimes can be difficult for children with ADHD. Structured play and activities can help
- Simple, unambiguous school rules, ideally presented in a highly visual way and posted prominently, may aid effective behaviour management.
The ideal classroom:
- Place the ADHD child at the front to minimise distraction by other pupils
- Surround the ADHD child with good role models
- Encourage peer tutoring and cooperative learning
- Seat the ADHD child away from doors, windows and displays that might be sources of distraction.
(Visual: Classroom layout adapted from O’Regan, 2004; How to… teach and manage children with ADHD)