- With ADHD students a good rule is “the fewer distractions the better.”
- We want ADHD students to be able to pay attention to the right thing and the right time.
- Here are several ideas to help you, and your students with Attention Deficit Disorder.
Room Set-Up for ADHD Students
The best ideas are the one’s that benefit all of the students in the classroom, not just the ADD ADHD students.
- With your ADD or ADHD students it is usually better to use of rows in your seating arrangement and to avoid groups of students. Often the groups are too distracting for the ADHD student. In the ideal setting, provide tables for limited and specific group projects, and traditional rows for independent work.
- Here is an idea to consider: Some teachers have suggested arranging desks in a horseshoe shape to promote appropriate discussion while permitting independent work.
- Teachers must be able to move about the entire room and to have access to all students. Practice “Management By Walking Around” in your classroom. Make eye contact with your students, especially those with ADD ADHD.
- Have your ADD ADHD students seated nearest to place in the class where you will give directions or lectures. Seat them as close as possible without being punitive to them. Do not seat ADD ADHD students in the back of the classroom.
- To minimize distractions, seat attention deficit students away from both the hallway and windows.
- Stand near attention deficit students when giving directions or presenting the lesson. Use the ADD or ADHD student’s worksheet as an example. Make sure that the attention deficit students know what’s going on around them.
- As best as you can, provide comfortable lighting and room temperatures.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., MFT
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D. MFT
Pastoral Counselor and Professional Therapist in Tehachapi, CA.
