The following is an interview I had with a teacher. His/Her name was asked to be disclosed. He/She has three to four students with special needs in each class and at least half of them are diagnosed with ADHD.
Me: What is the first thing you notice about a student with ADHD?
Teacher: Well I'd have to say the fact that they always seem to be very distant. I struggle to maintain their attention and it's very difficult to keep them on task.
Me: Do they tend to struggle in class and with grades?
Teacher: The kids with medication seem to have been able to adjust well but it seems at times it is very easy for them to lose focus. You can definitely distinguish between the medicated and non-medicated children.
Me: How so?
Teacher: They are actually able to sit in their seats without moving around. They are able to maintain focus on me. When we do silent work, they can sit there and work calmly while the non-medicated students tend to look around the room, tap their fingers, or disrupt others.
Me: What kind of teaching strategies do you use when dealing specifically with the students with ADHD?
Teacher: Well first of all I have met with or tried to meet with all of the parents. They have weekly progress reports sent home to monitor their work and grades in class. I try to set aside time each day so if needed they can come to me with any important questions. I try to keep them involved in the lesson plan so I can maintain their attention. The hardest part is to keep their attention on me and the material though.
Me: What is the first thing you notice about a student with ADHD?
Teacher: Well I'd have to say the fact that they always seem to be very distant. I struggle to maintain their attention and it's very difficult to keep them on task.
Me: Do they tend to struggle in class and with grades?
Teacher: The kids with medication seem to have been able to adjust well but it seems at times it is very easy for them to lose focus. You can definitely distinguish between the medicated and non-medicated children.
Me: How so?
Teacher: They are actually able to sit in their seats without moving around. They are able to maintain focus on me. When we do silent work, they can sit there and work calmly while the non-medicated students tend to look around the room, tap their fingers, or disrupt others.
Me: What kind of teaching strategies do you use when dealing specifically with the students with ADHD?
Teacher: Well first of all I have met with or tried to meet with all of the parents. They have weekly progress reports sent home to monitor their work and grades in class. I try to set aside time each day so if needed they can come to me with any important questions. I try to keep them involved in the lesson plan so I can maintain their attention. The hardest part is to keep their attention on me and the material though.