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How To Help Kids With ADHD Focus

How To Help Kids With ADHD Focus

Monday, June 03, 2024

According to the CDC, nearly seven million children in the United States have ADHD. And many of these children do not receive any type of accommodation. ADHD makes it very difficult for children to focus, especially when they’re in a classroom setting. ADHD can sometimes lead to grades falling behind, behavioral problems, and more in the classroom. 

ADHD can make you feel like you’re not smart or you’re not capable of achieving what you want, but that’s not true. ADHD does not define your child’s intelligence or capabilities. If your child struggles with ADHD or has trouble focusing, then keep reading this blog to learn more about how to help your child stay on top of their schoolwork and classroom engagement. 

Sometimes, it can feel like there isn’t any type of assistance you can give to your child to help them focus, but that’s not the case. You can be an advocate for them. 

Education And ADHD: How To Help Your Child Focus

Why Is It More Difficult For Children With ADHD In A Classroom setting?

There are many aspects of a school and a classroom setting that can get in the way of your child’s ability to focus on their assignments. Being in a classroom with other students can be very distracting, especially if your child has friends in their class. If this is the case, there is a chance that your child will disrupt the class by chatting. 

Another distraction can be the lack of space to move. Many people with ADHD have a hard time sitting still, and it can be unreasonable to expect children with ADHD to sit at a desk and focus for nearly 8 hours. And these are just a few of the examples of what children with ADHD can experience in the classroom. 

504 Plans And IEP Plans In School

504 Plans and IEP Plans are a great way to help your child. These plans will not ignore your child’s ADHD but work with it to ensure that your child will succeed in school. Let us explain if you’re unsure what a 504 Plan or an IEP Plan is. 

These are both plans that have been created in order to prevent your child’s education from being compromised due to their ADHD or other conditions that would impact their education. 

Sometimes these plans can include extensions on assignments, or maybe a seating chart in the classroom designed so that your child will have plenty of room to move around. The possibilities for a 504 Plan or an IEP Plan are endless. We recommend talking to your child’s teachers and their school to figure out which would work best for them. 

When attending a private institution, specialized plans may go by a different name. At Ignite Achievement, our commitment to personalized education is exemplified through our Individualized Academic Plans. Each student receives a carefully crafted plan that addresses their unique learning requirements, ensuring they receive the necessary support to thrive.

 

Talk To Your Child’s Doctor About Medication

Medication might be an obvious choice when it comes to helping your child with ADHD, but if your child is not taking any medication, we recommend seeing a doctor to ask if your child might benefit from taking ADHD medication. 

Additionally, alternative remedies may be helpful. Fish oil supplements, biofeedback, minerals, a careful diet, and mind-body practices have shown to be helpful. Your doctor may have suggestions about this, as well.

Routines At Home

Implementing routines in your child’s life is a simple way to encourage focusing at home and in the classroom. Having a routine will promote consistency and organization. Consistency and organization will help your child with ADHD know what to expect at home and in the classroom. For children with ADHD, expecting something will prevent extra and unnecessary distractions.

Help In The Classroom

You need to let your child’s teachers know about their ADHD diagnosis. When teachers are aware, they’ll be more understanding of potential behavioral problems, problems understanding the curriculum, and more. 

Another reason to let their teachers know is that they might be able to give extra attention to them or have a teacher’s assistant to help them one-on-one when needed. 

If you’re not sure how to talk to your child’s school about their ADHD, take a look at this short blog we’ve created that’s all about learning how to be a great advocate for them in their classroom. Talking about your child’s ADHD is not only good for your child, but it is extremely helpful for their teachers to be aware of. 

About Ignite Achievement Academy

If your child with ADHD is struggling to focus in the classroom, reach out to us today to learn more about alternative schooling options designed to fit your child’s needs. 

Ignite Achievement Academy (formerly named “Manus Academy”) specializes in working with students with learning barriers in grades K-12. Here at Ignite, we IGNITE student learning, IGNITE their passions and interests, and IGNITE their future.

We Help Students Of All Kinds, Including:

  • Learning disabilities
  • Language disorders
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder
  • Anxiety
  • Depression

At our institution, we provide comprehensive and empathetic teaching methods along with holistic support to ensure that students not only acquire the necessary skills but also flourish. 

Many of the students who enroll at our school have faced significant challenges, and they often find comfort in forming friendships with their peers. Parents frequently convey to us their delight in witnessing their child's daily successes and overall well-being, which also positively impacts the entire family.

We empower students through instruction that focuses on developing crucial academic abilities, enabling them to effectively handle their coursework, tackle problems, and navigate the academic and social aspects of their school environment.

Contact us today to learn more about Ignite Achievement Academy, request information, or maybe even schedule a tour of our campus.