Category: Parenting

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most talked-about conditions within the schooling and parenting world. It is a controversial subject, one that leads to much distress in both teachers and parents.

ADHD is a neuro-developmental disorder that results in difficulty with the organising of actions and thoughts and is characterised by inattention, impulsivity and/or hyperactivity. Contrary to belief, most children do not outgrow ADHD as they develop into adolescents and adults. Some of the symptoms may decrease somewhat in adolescence, but the increased demands of high school can then again provide new challenges for these children.

Whether treated medically or not, the reality is that children with ADHD need strategies that will help regulate and calm the sensory processing systems. As with many diagnoses pertaining to the brain’s processing abilities, one cannot ignore the impact of sensory input during times of increased school demands and stress.

The classroom is a challenging and overwhelming environment for the child with ADHD. The things that we expect of children throughout the day are the things that children with ADHD have the most difficulty with, i.e. sitting still, listening quietly and concentrating. Imagine these children’s frustration levels – it’s not that they don’t want to learn and work, their brains just don’t allow for it to happen.

We have a few handy tips for teachers to cater to the needs of children with ADHD in the classroom (most of which parents can use at home too!).

• Seat the child away from doors and windows. If possible keep the child in the front of the class, close to the teacher’s desk.
• Alternate desk tasks with tasks that need movement.
• Reduce clutter  – pack unnecessary items away in cupboards and on shelves.
• Write and place important information where the child is able to see it easily.
• Break big tasks into smaller ones and allow for regular movement breaks.
• Give instructions clearly, and no more than three at a time. Reinforce the steps and redirect when necessary. Make eye contact when giving instructions.
• To decrease impulsivity and unacceptable behaviour, make sure that classroom rules are written where they can be seen by all the children.
• Be consistent in dealing with misbehaviour. Be specific and ensure that the child understands why the behaviour was not acceptable.
• Recognise good behaviour in a way that the whole class recognises what has been done right.
• Stick to the day’s timetable, and if needed, remind the class what is happening next, so that the child with ADHD has some sense of control of his/her day.
• Provide regular movement breaks – send the child on an errand, ask him/her to hand out books or to clean the board.
• Do not keep the child in at break time, and do not allow the child to miss physical education classes. The ability to run and play allows for much-needed movement after being in the class for a few hours.
• Allow for fidget tools at the desk, especially during structured tasks, such as tests. This allows for indiscreet movement and stress release.
• Make learning fun – use silly songs, physical actions or acting out the concepts being taught. Challenge the children and allow for creativity and new ways of doing things.
• Provide a quiet space in the classroom, where the child can go to regulate the overwhelmed sensory system.

Most importantly, acknowledge and support children with ADHD and provide regular praise and encouragement. Going over the highlights of the day will help them realise that school and learning can be fun.  Lastly, encourage these children to approach you, or any other teacher in the school, when they are unhappy or struggling to cope and provide opportunities for them to do so.

When all else fails remember to Take 5:

• BREATHE – deep breathing calms the sensory systems
• SIP/SUCK/CHEW – drink water from a sports bottle, chew on healthy, crunchy foods (nuts, fruit, pretzels)
• BLOW – bubbles, balloons
• FIDDLE – make use of fidget tools
• MOVE! – organised movement allows for organised brains.

To discover sensory strategies for your unique sensory style, complete your Sensory Matrix™.

After a long summer break, most children across South Africa went back to school last week. This is generally a busy time of getting stationery, books and uniforms ready. Going back to school can be a daunting and very anxious thing for many children and for various reasons too …

• There are changes in routine as children have to get up early again.
• Going back to school means wearing uniforms, closed formal shoes and blazers, instead of casual, comfortable clothes and flip flops.
• A change of school – moving to a new school, or even to a different phase (primary to high school) – can be daunting for some children.
• There are new teachers and timetables, and with each grade that a child moves up, there are more demands from the curriculum.
• Some of their friends or peers may no longer go to the same school – some move to other schools, towns or countries.
• Some children struggle to get to school due to logistical problems, like unrest or transport problems.

Helpful tips for teachers to take the stress out of going back to school:

1. Acknowledge the feelings that the child has.
   You may not feel what the child is feeling, but let them know that you are listening and help them talk through their fears. Help children to problem solve by showing them the difference between what is really happening and what they perceive to be happening.
2. Plan fun activities for the first few days, even with older children.
   Children take a few days to settle into their routines and they are not completely focused on school yet. Their brains are probably still in holiday mode.
3. Prepare for rough spots.
   Be aware of what the anxious child is trying to tell you, and try to predict what may happen. The best defense that you have as a teacher is offence. Being proactive will help you stay calm and in control of any situation that may arise.
4. Stay organised and stick to your preparation and lesson plan.
   Having your day planned helps you as a teacher to stay calm and collected and is the best way to keep your back-to-school week running smoothly.
5. Take your classroom outside.
   It is still summer and there are no rules as to where we must teach. Just 15 minutes to teach a Science concept while using the senses will add fun, interest and a sensory experience to the learning. This also gives them a movement break which will alert and regulate the brain.
6. Changing parent drop-off roles.
   Help parents to help their children with separation anxiety. A child may be more anxious with one parent as opposed to another. Asking parents to swop the dropping off role will help a child adjust a lot quicker to school. Encourage parents to be flexible, and not to feel guilty about it.

Despite the issues that can cause anxiety, the aim is to have happy, calm and attentive children in your class as soon as possible.  Have a wonderful year of teaching and learning and remember to take breaks during your day – this will help to keep you calm, regulated and happy!

Discover more strategies to help you stay calm, focused and comfortable by completing your Sensory Matrix™ online.