Positive Teaching Strategies for Students with ADHD

Core Communication Principles

Respect and Approach

• Invest in students' growth

• Avoid public embarrassment, sarcasm, and put-downs

5 Key Communication Strategies

1. Be Positive

• Use 3-5 positive statements for every negative comment

• Affirm student potential

• Preferred positive phrases:

  • "You're working really hard"

  • "You've got the skill to do this"

  • "You're getting better"

Handling Incorrect Answers

• Redirect instead of criticising:

  • "Can you think of another way?"

  • "Let's go over this again"

  • "Why don't we talk this through?"

    
    

2. Give Students Choices

• Offer limited options for assignments

• Benefits:

  • Increased work production

  • Better compliance

  • Reduced aggression

    
    

3. Avoid Personalising

• Eliminate criticism and blame

• Frame challenges as common ADHD experiences

• Offer collaborative solutions

  
  

4. Use "I" Messages

• Communicate feelings privately

• Example: "I am surprised you didn't turn in your work. Is there a problem?"

• Avoid "You" messages that blame or damage self-esteem

  
  

5. Ask About Actions

• Prompt self-reflection

• Use guiding questions like: "Is that a good choice or a bad choice?"

• Help students recognise and correct inappropriate behaviour

  
  

Key Insight

Teachers' words significantly impact students with ADHD. Positive, supportive communication can transform a student's self-perception and academic performance.