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Positive Teaching Strategies for Students with ADHD

Writer's picture: louise engerslouise engers

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.

 

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National Neurodiversity Assessments trading as Speech and Language Therapy West Midlands Ltd

Birmingham, West Midlands

Tel: 07877645123

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