11 Ways to Help Kids with ADHD Achieve

Students with ADHD succeed the most when the key players at home and school work together. Using common language, consistent consequences, and reinforcement techniques at both home and school promote stability across settings.

Behavior Intervention Plans can be created by the school and parents to outline clear expectations and provide reinforcing supports. They are most effective when the parents actively reinforce the plan at home to support the expectations provided at school.

Empower the student to take ownership of his own learning. Ask how he learns best: Which subjects are the easiest for you? Which subjects are more difficult? What happens when you have trouble paying attention? How do you get yourself back on track? What happens during the times you are able to successfully focus in school?

Students with ADHD respond well to concrete, tangible awards that immediately follow positive behaviors. Motivate your child to work hard to earn that special reward. Give a special treat for completing a project early. Plan a movie night for a good week at school.

Giving attention to inappropriate behaviors can spur them to happen more often. Instead, remove your child from situations that encourage unwanted behaviors. Turn of the t.v. when your child is doing homework. Remove video games from the room where you child is studying. You can also add a study light to your child's study space. Give your child a fidget toy to help hm concentrate while doing homework.

Make sure your child understands why he is receiving praise or having something taken away. Understanding how the consequences are linked to the behaviors will help him see your caring intentions.

Structure a routine for success and stick to it. Set a consistent schedule for completing homework, going to bed, and waking up each morning. This can help your child complete homework and have a great start at school each day.

Tangible reminders can nudge students to get back on track. Place a large clock in the bedroom. Keep track of assignments on an assignment notepad, and put the homework still being worked on in a specific folder. Make sure you have your child's attention before speaking to him. Have your child repeat back directions for important tasks.

Place the student away from other distractions, such as doors, windows, and computers. Instead seat the student close to the front of the class and near the teacher's desk. Seat near other students who model good focus and listening skills, and seat away from distracting students who speak to him often.

Help students successfully follow directions by setting them up to achieve. Give directions to one assignment at a time, and break up steps for projects and homework assignments. Having the student focus on completing a single task or following one direction at a time is a must.

Vary instruction and classroom activities to keep the students moving and interested. Provide group activities and experiential learning. If you see the student getting bored, redirect him to focus. Or change the class activity.