How to Teach Hyperactive Children
Although teaching hyperactive students is challenging, it's essential to try your best to reach them. Learning to meet their short attention spans with interesting instructional blocks can help you achieve your teaching goals. It also can help hyperactive children gain the self-esteem needed to thrive, despite their circumstances. Use creativity, understanding and firmness to create suitable lesson plans and approaches.
Instructions
-
-
1
Understand the symptoms of hyperactivity. Knowing that hyperactive students aren't simply trying to break the rules can help you to develop more patience. For example, hyperactive students may fidget and talk excessively during class. They also may keep their desks more unorganized than other students in your classroom. Engage in ongoing dialogue with the parents of hyperactive students for insight into individual behaviors, strengths and weaknesses. This can help you predict the onset of adverse behavior and tailor your prevention and coping techniques accordingly.
-
2
Exercise consistent firmness with hyperactive children. This includes providing structured daily activities and letting them know the standards for acceptable social interaction and behavior. Engage in role-playing scenarios that stress responsibility, teamwork and leadership skills. Encourage your students to prepare for tasks by using a variety of methods. Consider inserting physical activity, writing in journals or guided imagery periods before structured lessons.
-
-
3
Establish concrete learning goals for each hyperactive student. This hinders hyperactive students from using their circumstances as excuses for poor grades and progress. Although it may be necessary to modify daily schedules and rules about classroom movement, avoid lowering your academic expectations for hyperactive children. Understand that a hyperactive child also needs structure to learn self-control. Use positive reinforcements such as sticker charts to motivate hyperactive children.
-
4
Incorporate a variety of engaging activities into your lesson plans. Avoid boring hyperactive students with long reading assignments and endless lectures. Suitable enhancements include showing short films and playing interactive games. Inviting guest speakers and participating in skits also can help keep students' attention.
-
5
Maintain positive control over your classroom. Use calming techniques to redirect attention and prevent outbursts from hyperactive students. This includes using guided imagery, playing soothing background music and allowing physical exercise when necessary. Schedule regular breaks in your class time to combat boredom and provide "end points" for your students.
-
6
Practice what you preach. While it can be stressful to teach hyperactive students, it's essential to maintain your professionalism. Failing to do so can create a stifling learning environment. It even can intensify defiant tendencies, which leads to more extreme outbursts. Participating in stress-relieving hobbies, such as writing a journal, crafting and painting, can help you remain positive.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Use simple, concise language when providing rules and instructions to hyperactive children.
