Supporting Academic Success
School can be challenging for children with ADHD. Here are some strategies to support their academic success:
1. Get Organized
Back to school organization can differ for each family. For my family that consisted of purchasing binders and school supplies that I know
2. Work with Teachers and Schools
Collaborate with your child’s teachers and school staff to create an ADHD-friendly learning environment.
Tips:
- Communicate regularly with teachers about your child’s needs and progress.
- Develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan if needed. On the resources page is a list of advocates
- Advocate for accommodations such as extra time on tests or a quiet space for work.
3. Create a Homework Routine
Homework can be a significant source of stress for children with ADHD. Establishing a consistent homework routine can help.
Tips:
- Set a specific time and place for homework each day.
- Break homework into smaller tasks with short breaks in between.
- Use a timer to help your child stay on track and manage their time.
- If they like to listen to music, there are some great ADHD focus music on YouTube and Spotify.
4. Provide Organizational Tools
Children with ADHD often struggle with organization. Provide tools and strategies to help them stay organized and manage their schoolwork.
Tips:
- Use color-coded folders and binders for different subjects OR one big binder that has different pockets. We have tried both and personally we went with the binder this year.
- Encourage the use of a planner or calendar to track assignments and due dates. My son’s school provides an agenda which they are encouraged to use in class. Each day, I make sure we take it out of the backpack and take a look at it together.
- Teach organizational skills, such as prioritizing tasks and using checklists. When my child was younger, I would use post-it notes to write down their tasks for the day. I would put a little checkbox next to each task and have them check off when each task is done and bring me the post-it notes once everything is checked off and then they can have their free time.
These strategies have helped my family enormously in getting us prepared for the new school year. I hope this gives you some ideas in how to get your kids organized for the school year.
