23 Feb FYI Educators and School Mental Health Professionals: 4 Classroom Management Strategies (CMS) for Students with ADHD
Effective Classroom Management Strategies (CMS) can improve an ADHD student’s academic success. A partnership between educators and school-based mental health professionals plays a crucial role in supporting students with ADHD.
A 2019 study in Children and Schools found that collaboration between educators and school-based mental health staff improved students’ academic achievement and behavioral health outcomes.
Classroom management is a critical component of effective instruction and supporting youth with behavioral disorders. The creation of a learning environment conducive for students with ADHD is essential not only to their academic achievement but also to their overall mental health and self-esteem. On average, by age 12, children with ADHD receive about 20,000 more negative messages than students without ADHD. These messages come from parents, teachers, and other adults. Research (2019) has identified that CMS decreases disruptive and aggressive behavior and improves academic achievement. These findings underscore classroom management’s crucial role as a fundamental component of successful instruction.
Key Classroom Management Strategies
Teachers and school-based mental health professionals can partner in developing CMS that address the learning needs of students with ADHD, as well as the other varying emotional and behavioral needs of the students. These include:
Clear and Consistent Expectations: Providing clear and consistent guidelines for behavior and academic tasks helps students with ADHD understand what is expected of them. This clarity reduces ambiguity and enhances predictability, alleviating anxiety and improving focus.
Structured Routines and Schedules: Establishing structured routines and schedules helps students with ADHD manage their time effectively and transition between activities smoothly. Visual schedules or timers can assist in signaling upcoming tasks and promoting self-regulation.
Positive Reinforcement and Feedback: Utilizing positive reinforcement strategies such as praise, rewards, and encouragement reinforces desired behaviors and motivates students with ADHD. Providing constructive feedback that focuses on effort and progress fosters a growth mindset and resilience.
Utilization of Active Learning Techniques: Incorporating interactive, hands-on activities into lessons can engage students with ADHD and enhance their comprehension and retention of material. Movement breaks, group work, and kinesthetic learning opportunities provide outlets for their excess energy and promote active participation.