Wisconsin ADHD
Tips for Navigating School with ADHD
Updated: Aug 6
School is an essential component of our early lives. For students with ADHD, it can also be challenging. ADHD can cause students to become easily distracted and have difficulty focusing on tasks, both of which can have a significant impact on academic performance. As a result, students with ADHD require support to help them navigate the school environment successfully. In this blog post, we will provide expert advice from Wisconsin ADHD on tips for students with ADHD to succeed in school.
Create a structured routine:
Creating a structured routine is vital for students with ADHD. A structured routine helps students to predict what is coming next and reduces anxiety levels. It is essential to have regular sleep and waking times as well as scheduled times for meals and homework. Creating a daily schedule that includes time for school, activities, and relaxation can help students to organize their time better. You can use a planner or a smartphone to track your daily schedule.
Implement study strategies:
It can be challenging for students with ADHD to stay focused on tasks, particularly if they find their schoolwork tedious. A powerful tool to help ADHD students is to implement study strategies that cater to their style of learning. Some students are visual learners, others auditory learners, while others are more kinesthetic learners. Wisconsin ADHD recommends learners find their learning style and cater to it; it could mean using flashcards, mnemonic devices, or other study techniques.
Manage physical distractions:
In addition to internal distractions, students with ADHD can be affected by external distractions, such as uncomfortable seating or loud noises. Students should arrange their study area to minimize physical distractions that deter focus; you can use noise-cancelling headphones or move to a quieter area.
Stay organized and don't procrastinate:
One of the downsides of ADHD is that students often struggle with staying organized and avoiding procrastination. Wisconsin ADHD recommends that students use organizational and productivity tools like calendars, planners, apps, and to-do-lists. Also, they recommend tackling assignments and projects in smaller chunks, not waiting until the last minute to avoid rushing, and producing low-quality work.
In conclusion, ADHD can cause school life to be complicated for many students. However, with the right tools and strategies, students with ADHD can have a positive impact on their academic performance. Creating a structured routine, implementing study strategies, attending more straightforward classes first, managing physical distractions, and staying organized is essential for students with ADHD to thrive in the school environment.