6 Tips for School Success with ADHD: Yes, It’s Possible!
For parents of kids with ADHD, it should be affirming to know that October is ADHD Awareness Month. It’s definitely a reminder that you are not alone! We understand the unique challenges of ADHD for students, but we also celebrate the opportunities that exist for success…and there are many!
When parents ask what strategies our Tampa Day School educators find most effective in helping ADHD students succeed, we’re happy to share some of the many techniques we employ:
- Start that homework with some help!
Our TDS homework lab period provides the structure and teacher support needed to build successful homework habits and encourage homework completion. Students feel so much less stress when they’ve developed a path to completion while still at school. That translates to fewer meltdowns at home!
- Pinpoint the problem.
There’s no cookie-cutter approach to student weaknesses because each student we serve is unique. We work with each child to identify areas that need strengthening – whether it is organization, time management, planning, task initiation, or a host of other possibilities. Correctly identifying the problem(s) allows us to develop a plan. It’s like the old adage, “the journey of a million miles begins with one step.”
- Mix in relational coaching.
While many ADHD students struggle with self-control, regulating emotions, and understanding social cues, we’ve learned how to help students better understand what behaviors or attitudes contribute to interpersonal conflicts. What’s more, we model and promote the development of prosocial behavior, perspective taking, and successful interactions. We find encouragement and direct coaching go a long way! Who needs Dr. Phil?
- Use brain-based strategies.
TDS educators are savvy in ways to minimize off-task behavior and foster active classroom engagement. You might observe students paired, standing, and interacting with one another when learning a concept or demonstrating proficiency. We’ve found this technique increases personal accountability for learning, and allows the teacher to quickly determine which students need more time or assistance to grasp the lesson.
- Partner with parents.
The TDS team collaborates to develop a support plan unique to your child’s needs. Daily reports are used to maximize school-home communication and provide students with routine performance feedback. This eliminates a great deal of potential anxiety and demonstrates how much we value two-way communication with parents.
- Add some balance.
Students at TDS may participate in art, performing arts, technology, robotics, athletics, and a variety of club opportunities. By allowing kids to find creative outlets for expression or develop a new talent, we’re creating tangible paths to accomplishment and self-esteem. For those students who have experienced multiple failures and frustrations, these outlets can help provide a fresh and positive perspective on life and learning.
At Tampa Day School, We Champion Your Child’s Needs
As a unique private school in Hillsborough County, FL, Tampa Day School provides a strong educational program to help meet the needs of children with ADHD. With a class size of 10-12, TDS students receive the attention they need from caring, fully-engaged teachers. Download our information packet to learn more!