School can present a number of challenges for children with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although with effective planning and patience, children with ADD or ADHD can certainly thrive in class. While teachers and other educational staff members can help through providing support, it is parents who have the opportunity to make the largest difference in their child's educational success. Parents have the chance to work with their child, as well as their child's teacher, to put in place strategies that are practical for the education of their child both in and out of the classroom. Through a parent's consistent support, there are strategies that can assist their child to meet the educational challenges they face and achieve educational success.

Some of the things children with ADD/ADHD are required to do in class are ones they find to be the most difficult. Tasks such as listening, remaining quiet, sitting still, and concentrating are ones they have to do all day. Maybe one of the most frustrating things children with these disabilities face is the desire to learn and behave like their peers without ADD/ADHD. It is not a lack of willingness that keeps children with ADD/ADHD from learning in ways that are traditional.

Parents have the opportunity to provide effective support and give their children with ADD/ADHD learning strategies. Parents can communicate with their children's teachers concerning the way their child learns the best, and with support at home as well as teaching strategies while their child is in the classroom, children with these forms of disabilities can excel in school.
 
Children with ADD/ADHD and Distractions
 
A number of things to include classroom interruptions, people passing by, noises, or a child's own thoughts can easily distract them from receiving important information while in class. Children with ADD/ADHD often experience difficulty with remaining focused on tasks requiring sustained mental efforts. While they might appear to be listening, something may be getting in the way of their ability to retain the information they are supposed to be receiving.

Teachers or their assistants have the opportunity to help with distractions that can interfere with the learning process. Some of the things that can be done involve physical placement of the child, increased movement, and breaking down long work periods into shorter ones. For example:

• Give the child frequent breaks
• Divide large assignments into smaller ones
• Have the child sit away from windows or doors
• Remind the child where information can be located
• When possible, involve physical movement in lessons
• Put pets in another corner or room while the child is working
• Write down information that is important so the child can read and refer to it
• Alternate activities that involve sitting with ones where the child can move their body around the room

Children with ADD/ADHD and Impulsiveness

Children who experience ADD or ADHD might act before thinking and create situations in addition to other issues in a classroom. Children who experience difficulties with impulse control might appear to be unruly or aggressive, something that may be a disruptive factor in school. There are some different methods for managing impulsiveness including behavior planning, discipline for infractions, and ways to provide children with ADD/ADHD with a sense of control over their day. For example:

Write the Schedule for the Day: Write the schedule on the chalkboard or a piece of paper and cross of items as they are completed. Children who experience difficulties with impulsiveness may feel more calm and gain a sense of control when they know how the day will go.

Ensure the Child has a Written Behavior Plan Near Them: Tape it on the child's desk, or on the wall near to them. Provide immediate consequences after misbehavior and explain to the child how they have misbehaved when they have.
 
Recognize the Child's Positive Behaviors: Be specific in that praise, ensuring the child knows they have done something right.

Children with ADD/ADHD and Fidgeting
 
Children with ADD/ADHD might seem as if they are in constant motion. It may seem like they struggle to stay in their seats. Children with ADD/ADHD might twist, fidget, kick, jump, or move in ways that make it hard for them to teach. There are; however, some different strategies and creative ways that allow children with ADD/ADHD to move in ways that are appropriate at times that are appropriate. Releasing the energy they have makes it easier for them to keep their bodies calmer when it is time to work in class. For example, teachers or their assistants might:

• Ensure the child never misses physical education or recess
• Limit the child's screen time in favor of time to move around
• Encourage the child to participate in a sport, or run around before or after school
• Provide the child with a small toy, stress ball, or other object to play with or squeeze while sitting
• Ask a child with ADD/ADHD to perform a task or run an errand, even it involves walking across the room to do something minor

Children with ADD/ADHD and Interrupting
 
Children with ADD/ADHD might struggle with controlling the impulsiveness they feel and speak out of turn. Whether they are in school or at home, they may comment while other people are talking, and their comments might appear to be rude or even aggressive and create issues at times. It is important to remember that many times, children with ADD/ADHD have a sense of self-esteem that is fragile and pointing out this issue in front of others in class or in front of family members or friends will not help. In fact – it has the potential to make things worse.

Reduction of the number of interruptions children with ADD/ADHD omit is something that should be pursued carefully in order to ensure their self-esteem remains high, particularly in front of other people. One of the things that can be done is to build and use a secret language with a child who experiences ADD/ADHD, using words or gestures that are discreet that you have agreed upon to let the child know they are interrupting. Make sure you praise the child when they do not interrupt conversations, letting them know they have done something right.
 
Children with ADD/ADHD and Difficulties with Following Directions
 
Difficulties with following directions is something many children with ADD/ADHD experience. They may appear to understand directions, or even write them down, yet find they are not able to perform what they have been asked to do. At times, they might miss steps that are involved and turn in work that is incomplete, or misunderstand an assignment, or end up doing something else.

Helping a child who experiences ADD/ADHD to follow directions could mean taking the time to breaking down and reinforce the steps that are involved, as well as redirecting the child if needed. Attempt to be as brief as possible when giving the child directions, allow them to perform one step, and then return and find out what to do next. If the child gets off track, calmly redirect them in a firm yet calm tone of voice. Whenever you can, write the directions down with a bold marker or with colored chalk on the chalkboard.
 
Parents and Communication with School and Teachers
 
Parents are their children's best advocates. In order for their children to succeed in school, it is crucial for parents to communicate their needs to teachers and other staff members at their school. It is just as important for parents to listen to what their child's teacher and other school staff members have to say.

Parents can make communications with their child's school both constructive and productive. It is important to bear in mind that the mutual purpose is discovery of the best way to assist the child to succeed in school. Whether it is discussion over the phone, through email, or in person – it is important for parents to be calm, specific, and to maintain a positive demeanor; all of which can benefit communications with their child's school. Additional things parents can do include:
 
Planning Ahead: Parents can arrange to speak with teachers or school staff before the start of the school year. If the school year has already begun, they can speak with a teacher or counselor on at least a monthly basis.
 
Parents, Share Information: Parents know their child's entire history. Their child's teacher sees them each day, and together you possess a great deal of information that can lead to a better understanding of the challenges your child faces. It is important for parents to share the information they have freely and to encourage their child's teachers to   share information as well.

Create Goals with the School: Parents can talk about their goals for their child's success with the school, and write down realistic and particular goals, talking with teachers and school staff members about ways to achieve them.

Ensure Meetings Happen: Stick with an agreed-upon time that works for both the parents and the school, and avoid cancellations. If parents can, meet in the child's classroom to get an idea of what the child's learning environment is like.

Listen Carefully to Teachers and School Staff: Teachers and school staff members also want children to succeed. It is important for parents to listen to what they have to say. Even if it is difficult to hear it is important to avoid interrupting. Understanding the challenges a child faces while in school is key to discovering the solutions that will work for them.

Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Hard Questions: Parents shouldn't be afraid to ask hard questions, or to provide a complete picture. Communication is something that works effectively if people are honest. Include a list of medications a child is taking and explain any other treatments the child is receiving. Parents should share the things that work well and those that do not at home with teachers. If a child is experiencing issues at school or on the playground, parents should ask teachers or school staff members about them. Parents should find out if their child can receive any special services to help them learn.
 

• Educational Rights

"ADHD can impact education and development from a very young age. Child Find, public school systems, some private schools and even colleges and universities are obligated to help their students with ADHD and other disabilities rise to meet education challenges."

• How Can Teachers Help Students With ADHD?

"Teachers can help children with ADHD become successful in school, said Beth Kaplanek, volunteer president of the board of directors for Children and Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)."

• Facts About ADHD

"ADHD is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders of childhood. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often lasts into adulthood. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (may act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active."