Children with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) often face unique challenges in the classroom that can impact their learning, behaviour, and social interactions. While teachers play a crucial role in supporting these students, the involvement of parents is equally vital. When parents are actively engaged in their child’s education and collaborate with teachers, it creates a cohesive support system that enhances the child’s overall development and academic success.
Parents offer invaluable insights into their child’s behaviour, strengths, and needs, which can help teachers tailor their strategies to better support the student. Additionally, when parents are informed and involved, they can reinforce classroom strategies at home, ensuring consistency and stability for the child.
Teachers can initiate this collaboration by openly communicating with parents about the importance of their involvement and by providing practical ways they can contribute. This can include regular updates on the child’s progress, suggestions for supportive home practices, and invitations to participate in school activities or meetings focused on their child’s development.
By fostering a strong partnership with parents, teachers can create a more supportive and effective learning environment for children with ADHD, helping them to thrive both academically and personally.
Teacher & Parent At School/Home
Here are ten solid strategies that teachers can use to get parents involved in helping their children with ADHD both at school and at home:
Regular Communication:
Keep parents informed about their child’s progress and any challenges they face. Use emails, phone calls, or communication apps to provide regular updates.
Parent-Teacher Meetings:
Schedule regular meetings to discuss the child’s development, behaviour, and strategies for support. This allows for a two-way dialogue where parents can share their observations and concerns.
Home-School Journals:
Implement a daily or weekly journal where teachers and parents can write notes about the child’s behaviour, achievements, and any issues that arise. This keeps both parties informed and engaged.
Educational Workshops:
Organise workshops or informational sessions to educate parents about ADHD, its impact on learning and behaviour, and effective strategies for support.
Collaborative Goal Setting:
Work with parents to set realistic and achievable goals for their child. This helps to align efforts at school and at home, ensuring consistency in the child’s support system.
Resource Sharing:
Provide parents with resources such as articles, books, websites, and support groups that can help them understand and manage ADHD more effectively.
Behavioural Strategies:
Share specific behavioural strategies and techniques that are used in setting up the classroom, and suggest ways these can be adapted for home use. Consistent approaches can help reinforce positive behaviours.
Positive Reinforcement:
Encourage parents to use positive reinforcement to reward their child’s achievements and good behaviour. Share tips on effective praise and rewards systems.
Homework Support:
Offer guidance on how parents can help their child with homework, such as creating a quiet workspace, breaking tasks into manageable chunks, and using timers to structure study time.
Support Network:
Encourage parents to connect with other families who have children with ADHD. Building a support network can provide emotional support and practical advice.
By implementing these strategies, teachers can foster a collaborative relationship with parents, creating a strong support system that benefits children with ADHD both in the classroom and at home.
SEMCO Recommendations For Teachers
In the UK, SEMH (Social, Emotional, and Mental Health) is a category of special educational needs. Recommendations for teachers to help parents, particularly those with children who have ADHD, align with general best practices for engaging parents in supporting their children’s education. Here are some key recommendations typically suggested:
Develop Clear Communication Channels
Establish regular and open communication with parents. Use emails, phone calls, ClassDojo, Parent mail (other communication apps) and meetings to discuss their child’s progress and challenges.
Provide Regular Updates
Send home regular progress reports and updates on the child’s behaviour and academic performance. Highlight both achievements and areas that need improvement.
Here are five examples of how teachers can send home regular progress reports and updates on a child’s behavior and academic performance, highlighting both achievements and areas that need improvement:
1. Weekly Summary Report
Content: A brief summary of the child’s week, including positive behaviours, academic achievements, and any areas needing improvement.
Dear Parent/Guardian,
This week, [Child’s Name] showed great improvement in staying focused during math lessons and completed all assignments on time. However, they struggled with paying attention during group activities and need to work on following group instructions. We will continue to support them in this area.
Best regards,
[Teacher’s Name]
2. Monthly Detailed Report
Content: A more comprehensive report covering academic performance in various subjects, behaviour in different settings, and specific goals achieved or still in progress.
3. Behaviour and Achievement Chart
Content: A chart or table that visually represents the child’s achievements and areas for improvement in behaviour and academics, using stickers or symbols for easy understanding.
4. Personalised Email Update
Content: A personalised email sent to parents highlighting the child’s strengths and areas where they need support, with specific examples and suggestions for improvement.
5. Progress Report Card
Content: A formal report card sent home periodically, detailing academic grades, behaviour assessments, teacher comments, and suggestions for parents to support their child’s development.
These examples help maintain an open line of communication between teachers and parents, ensuring that parents are informed about their child’s progress and can collaborate on strategies for improvement.
Parent Workshops and Training
Organising workshops and training sessions for parents is a valuable way to educate them about ADHD and effective strategies for managing it both at home and in school. These sessions can cover a range of topics, from understanding the symptoms and challenges of ADHD to practical techniques for improving focus and behaviour. For example, workshops might include training on creating structured routines, using positive reinforcement, and implementing organisational tools. Additionally, parents can learn how to collaborate effectively with teachers and support their child’s learning process. By providing these educational opportunities, schools empower parents with the knowledge and skills needed to support their children more effectively, leading to better outcomes both academically and behaviourally.
Involve Parents in Goal Setting
Collaborating with parents to set realistic and achievable goals for their child is essential in creating a supportive and effective learning environment. This partnership allows for a comprehensive understanding of the child’s needs and capabilities. For instance, during parent-teacher meetings, both parties can discuss and agree on specific academic and behavioural targets, such as improving reading comprehension or developing better organisational skills. Regularly reviewing and adjusting these goals ensures they remain relevant and attainable as the child progresses. By involving parents in this process, teachers can help establish a cohesive plan that is reinforced at home, fostering a consistent and encouraging atmosphere that motivates the child to succeed.
Share Resources
Provide parents with resources such as reading materials, websites, and contact information for support groups and services.
Here are five resource examples that parents can use to support their children with ADHD:
1. Reading Material
- Book: “Taking Charge of ADHD: The Complete, Authoritative Guide for Parents” by Russell A. Barkley
- Description: This comprehensive guide provides parents with detailed information about ADHD, practical strategies for managing it, and advice on working with schools and healthcare providers.
2. Website
- Website: ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
- URL: addiss.co.uk
- Description: This site offers extensive resources, including articles, research, and information on ADHD. It also provides details on workshops and conferences.
3. Support Group
- Organisation: ADHD Foundation
- URL: adhdfoundation.org.uk
- Description: The ADHD Foundation offers support groups for parents and children, educational resources, and advocacy services. They also run events and training sessions.
4. Online Community
- Forum: AADD-UK (The Adult ADHD Network)
- URL: aadduk.org
- Description: AADD-UK provides an online forum where parents can connect with others, share experiences, and seek advice. They also offer information and resources on ADHD.
5. Professional Services
- Service: ADHD Richmond & Kingston
- URL: adhdrichmond.org
- Description: This local organisation offers support and resources for parents, including workshops, support groups, and information on local ADHD services. They also provide advocacy and assistance in navigating educational and healthcare systems.
These resources can help parents better understand ADHD, connect with support networks, and find practical strategies to support their children.
Create a Consistent Approach
Work with parents to ensure that strategies used at school are reinforced at home, creating a consistent approach to behaviour management and learning support.
Teachers can collaborate with parents to develop unified strategies that reinforce positive behaviours and academic skills. For example, if a teacher uses a reward chart in the classroom to encourage task completion, parents can implement a similar system at home, allowing the child to earn stickers or points for completing homework or chores. Additionally, if specific techniques like breaking tasks into smaller steps or using timers for focused work periods are effective at school, parents can apply these methods at home to help their child manage assignments and maintain focus. By aligning these strategies, both teachers and parents provide a stable and supportive environment, promoting the child’s overall success and well-being.
Encourage Positive Reinforcement
Suggest ways for parents to use positive reinforcement at home to encourage desired behaviours and achievements.
Here are five examples of how parents can use positive reinforcement at home to encourage desired behaviours and achievements in their children with ADHD:
1. Reward Chart System
Suggestion: Create a reward chart where the child earns stickers or points for displaying positive behaviours and completing tasks.
Example: You can use a reward chart to encourage [Child’s Name] to complete their homework and chores. Each time they finish a task, they earn a sticker. After collecting a certain number of stickers, they can choose a reward, such as extra playtime or a small treat. This system can help motivate them to stay on task and follow routines.
2. Praise and Acknowledgment
Suggestion: Regularly praise your child for their efforts and achievements, focusing on specific behaviours you want to encourage.
Example: Try to praise your child when they demonstrate positive behaviours, such as focusing on their homework or being polite. Use specific compliments like, “I’m so proud of how you concentrated on your math problems today!” This helps them understand what behaviours are valued and encourages them to repeat those actions.
3. Token Economy System
Suggestion: Implement a token economy system where the child earns tokens for good behaviour and can exchange them for rewards.
Example: Consider setting up a token economy at home. Your child can earn tokens for completing tasks like tidying their room or being ready for school on time. These tokens can be exchanged for rewards such as choosing a family movie or a favourite snack. This method can make positive behaviour more tangible and rewarding for them.
4. Behavioural Contracts
Suggestion: Create a behavioural contract with your child that outlines expected behaviour’s and corresponding rewards.
Example: Sit down together to outline specific behaviours they need to work on, like completing homework before playing video games. Agree on the rewards they will receive for meeting these expectations, such as extra screen time or a special outing. This clear agreement helps set expectations and provides motivation.
5. Celebration of Achievements
Suggestion: Celebrate your child’s achievements and milestones with special activities or privileges.
Example: This could be a family game night, a trip to the park, or baking their favourite cookies together.
These examples provide practical and engaging ways for parents to use positive reinforcement, helping children with ADHD develop and maintain desirable behaviours and achieve their goals.
Offer Homework Support
Provide parents with tips and tools to help their children with homework, such as creating a structured study environment and using visual aids and timers.
Here are five strong examples of providing parents with tips and tools to help their children with ADHD with homework:
Create a Structured Homework Routine
Tip: Establish a consistent daily schedule for homework. Allocate a specific time and quiet place where the child can work without distractions.
Tool: Use a visual schedule or calendar to help the child understand and follow their homework routine. Tools like timers or alarms can signal the start and end of homework time, aiding time management.
Break Tasks into Manageable Chunks
Tip: Divide homework into smaller, more manageable sections to prevent the child from feeling overwhelmed.
Tool: Use checklists or task cards that break down larger assignments into smaller steps. Each completed task can be checked off, providing a sense of accomplishment and progress.
Incorporate Movement Breaks
Tip: Allow short breaks between homework tasks to help the child release excess energy and maintain focus.
Tool: Implement a timer to schedule regular movement breaks, such as every 20 minutes. Activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or a quick walk can help refocus the child’s attention.
Use Positive Reinforcement
Tip: Motivate the child by rewarding effort and achievements, no matter how small. Praise specific behaviours like staying focused or completing a task.
Tool: Create a reward chart where the child earns points or stickers for completed tasks and positive behaviours. Points can be exchanged for small rewards or privileges.
Provide Clear Instructions and Visual Aids
Tip: Give clear, concise instructions for homework tasks and use visual aids to enhance understanding.
Tool: Use tools such as coloured pens, highlighters, or graphic organisers to help the child organise information and follow instructions. Visual aids like diagrams, charts, or step-by-step guides can make tasks more comprehensible.
By sharing these practical tips and tools, parents can effectively support their children with ADHD in managing homework, reducing stress, and promoting academic success.
Build a Support Network
Help parents connect with other families in similar situations. Support groups and networks can provide emotional support and practical advice. Here is a list of ADHD support groups in the UK along with their websites:
1. ADHD Foundation
– Website: ADHD Foundation
2. ADDISS (The National Attention Deficit Disorder Information and Support Service)
– Website: ADDISS
3. ADHD UK
– Website: ADHD UK
4. ADHD Action
– Website: ADHD Action
5. CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
– Website: CHADD
6. AADD-UK (The Adult ADHD Network)
– Website: AADD-UK
7. Living with ADHD
– Website: Living with ADHD
8. The ADHD Alliance
– Website: The ADHD Alliance
9. ADHD Richmond & Kingston
– Website: ADHD Richmond & Kingston
10. ADHD and You
– Website: ADHD and You
These support groups offer various resources, including information, advice, and community support for individuals with ADHD and their families.
Promote Parental Involvement
Encourage parents to be involved in school activities and events. This can help them feel more connected to the school community and more engaged in their child’s education.
These recommendations are designed to create a partnership between teachers and parents, ensuring that children with ADHD receive consistent support both at school and at home.