Top Study Tips for Kids with ADHD: How to Help Your Child Succeed in School
Studying can be tough for any child, especially one with ADHD. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder presents unique challenges such as struggling to focus, maintaining their attention, and managing impulses. Helping a child to succeed academically can be difficult for both the parent and child.
However, with the right study techniques, children with ADHD can excel in their studies. Here are some top study tips for kids with ADHD:
1. Have a space for studying
We associate our beds with sleep, the fridge with food but what about studying? Associating one spot with learning is important for establishing routine. For a child with ADHD, studying is already harder but associating a space with studying can make it easier.
Find a spot that’s quiet- away from the television or rooms with a lot of foot traffic like the kitchen. Set up everything your child needs within arm’s reach so there’s no reason for them to get up while studying.
2. Reward them for their work
Positive feedback is important for children especially with something difficult like homework. Every achievement your child has would be received with praise! Praise can be a powerful motivator and lets your child know you appreciate their hard work.
Additionally, when your child completes an assignment or throws in extra study time, congratulate them. You can give them a tangible reward as well such as extra dessert or tv time.
3. Breaks between studies
Breaks are well-needed to a brain with ADHD. Trying to focus head-on for hours on end can be difficult and overwhelming. Instead, break up study-time into sections or breaks with a timer to help them stay on track.
One method is the Pomodoro technique where studying is divided into 25-minute sessions followed by 5–10-minute breaks. If your child has hyperactivity as a symptom encouraging them to move around during this time will be especially helpful.
4. Break their homework down into mini-assignments
Looking at a large assignment can be daunting for a child. The easiest way to overcome this hurdle is taking the large assignments and breaking them down into mini assignments. This will help your child stay focused and avoid becoming overwhelmed. These more manageable tasks have the benefit of providing more motivation given there’s a clear end goal.
5. Keep a consistent schedule
A consistent routine is important for anyone with ADHD even if it’s a struggle to maintain it. Creating a study schedule that includes regular breaks to avoid the strain of long periods of studying and understanding when your child needs to stop is the key to a routine. By implementing the Pomodoro method mentioned above which allows them breaks to avoid being overwhelmed, a consistent schedule will be easier to implement.
The READy Clinic understands everyone learns differently. We embrace it, which is why our students have had such great success. Parents, siblings, loved ones, and friends could all benefit from this empowering book, and we highly suggest it! It will make all the difference for you and your child.
