50 Tips on the Classroom Management of ADD - Controlling ADHD Kids in Class

Written by Drs. Ned Hallowell & John Ratey

Page 3 of 3

Encourage reading aloud at home. Read aloud in class as much as possible. Use story-telling. Help the child built the skill of staying on one topic.
Repeat, repeat, repeat.
Exercise. One of the best treatments for ADD in both children and adults, is exercise, preferably vigorous exercise. Exercise helps work off excess energy, it helps focus attention, it stimulates certain hormones and neurochemicals that are beneficial, and it is fun. Make sure the exercise IS fun, so the child will continue to do it for the rest of his or her life.
With older children, stress preparation prior to coming into class. The better idea the child has of what will be discussed on any given day, the more likely the material will be mastered in class.
Always be on the lookout for sparking moments. These kids are far more talented and gifted than they often seem. They are full of creativity, play, spontaneity, and good cheer. They tend to be resilient, always bouncing back. They tend to be generous of spirit, and glad to help out. They usually have a "special something" that enhances whatever setting they're in. Remember, there is a melody inside that cacophony, a symphony yet to be written.

This article was among those given to GRADDA by Drs. Ned Hallowell and John Ratey as they were writing their now-published book, Driven To Distraction. They often appear on television, radio and at ADD conferences across the country. Dr. Ned was in Rochester as our Annual Conference speaker in 1994. Ed Note: In response to questions about developing different or separate teaching techniques for ADD children, Drs. Hallowell and Ratey note that the suggestions they've made serve ALL students although they are especially helpful for those with ADD. They do not support creation of "separate" approaches.

Thanks to Dick Smith of GRADDA and the authors for permission to reproduce this article.

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