Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can make math very challenging for the children that have it. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that can help to not only improve your child’s focus, but also their success with learning mathematics. Here are some tips on how to tackle math with your ADHD child.
Establish a Routine
Establishing a consistent schedule and routine is essential for any child, but especially one with ADHD. This will help them to know what to expect and when, and help ensure that they stick to their homework and understand the rewards for doing so.
By having a predictable schedule, your child should be able to become better focused on their math assignments. It is also important to create a workspace for your child that is free from distraction and conducive to studying. The workspace should be clear of toys and electronics and stocked with necessary supplies.
Additionally, make sure you provide plenty of breaks, allowing your child to take short walks, do short physical activities, or perhaps work on a puzzle.
Break Down Tasks
For children with ADHD, it can often be overwhelming for them to take a large assignment and solve it in one sitting. Break up the assignment into pieces. Have them complete one task at a time and that way they don’t become overwhelmed and distracted.
Begin with tasks that are easy or simple and slowly build up to the more difficult ones. Just as important, provide positive reinforcement along the way.
If your child is able to properly complete the assignment and make good progress, it may help to reward them with a special activity or treat.
Focus on Strengths
Helping your child focus on their strengths can be just as important as helping them focus on their weaknesses. Everyone has different types of learning styles, and utilizing your child’s strengths can turn out to be a huge benefit.
For example, if your child is a visual learner, it may help to provide flash cards, diagrams, and other visual materials in their study space. If your child is an auditory learner, try playing a game, chanting a multiplication table, or reading a story aloud. If your child is a kinesthetic learner, have them physically move objects or try a fist pump exercise.
Find Alternatives and Games
One way to get your ADHD child excited about math is to find different approaches and activities that evoke their curiosity and interest. There are a number of games and apps that can help sharpen their mathematics skills. For instance, apps such as “Math Racer” can help by testing math skills while playing a game.
Games and apps such as these can help to make math more enjoyable and teach children how to use different problem-solving skills. In addition, there are websites that offer tools for creative math and problem-solving.
These can help maximize the learning experience for your child. Some great sites are MathPlayground. com, Illuminations.
nctm. org, and FunBrain.
com.
Seek Professional Assistance
It is always a good idea to seek professional assistance when it comes to helping children with ADHD. A learning specialist can assess your child and provide personalized suggestions to ensure your child’s success with learning mathematics.
A learning specialist should conduct an in-depth evaluation on your child’s math skills, including the ability to concentrate, problem-solving, reading comprehension and working memory. With this knowledge, the learning specialist can evaluate what strategies can be used to help your child focus, reveal strengths, and provide direction on where to focus attention.
Form a Support Group
Forming a support group can help to provide your child with the additional support and guidance they need. Support groups can help to provide encouragement in tackling problems and completing assignments.
If there is another student in the group that has similar challenges, it can create a sense of companionship and foster their success. In addition to support groups, there are online forums that offer support and resources for parents, such as the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (www. adda.
org). The website offers a number of tools and information, including an online discussion board that can provide advice and connect parents with similar goals.
Take Care of Your Own Stress
Sometimes, the stress of assisting a child with ADHD can become emotionally draining. It is important to take care of yourself and find ways to de-stress.
Taking some time to relax and focus on yourself can help to provide a renewed commitment and energy to help your child. Engaging in activities such as yoga, Pilates, or even going for a walk can help you to manage stress. You should also ensure that you are getting the proper amount of sleep and make sure to take vitamins or supplements if considered necessary by your doctor.
Utilize Positive Reinforcement
It is extremely important to utilize positive reinforcement tactics when it comes to helping children with ADHD. Rewards such as praise and incentives can be effective in boosting morale and encouraging progress. This can help motivate your child to continue and maintain their progress with learning mathematics.
By utilizing positive reinforcement, children can become more motivated to practice and master their math skills. Rewarding children for completing tasks and staying focused can help to form healthy habits and foster both self-confidence and self-esteem.
Remain Optimistic
It is natural to be concerned or anxious when helping your child with ADHD, but it is important to remain positive and optimistic. Having a positive attitude and outlook can help to make a big difference in the process of helping your child excel in math. Encourage and support your child, and give plenty of positive feedback when they make progress.
Let them know that they can do it and that they are capable of achieving great things. This will not only provide them with confidence, but also the drive and determination to persist through the challenges of learning mathematics.
Conclusion
Helping a child with ADHD focus in math can require some creative strategies. Incorporating some of these strategies into the learning process can help to make the process a little easier and provide results that can reap rewards in the future.
Establishing a routine, breaking down tasks, focusing on strengths, finding alternatives and games, seeking professional assistance, forming a support group, taking care of your own stress, utilizing positive reinforcement, and remaining optimistic are all strategies that can be utilized to help your ADHD child focus in math.