Many children are at times very active, have a short attention span, or react impulsively. However, when a child is hyperactive, distractible, or impulsive—and these behaviors are chronic (have been there throughout the child’s life) and pervasive (present throughout the child’s day)—the child may be diagnosed by a trained professional as having attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A child with attention disorders may seem socially incompetent, immature, or aggressive.

Teaching Tips

• Keep directions simple, clear and concise; repeat if necessary.
• Adjust lessons and activities to the child’s needs and abilities.
• Provide frequent and varied activities throughout Primary that provide movement and create interest.
• Keep the child close to you and surrounded by good role models.
• Look the child in the eye whenever you talk to him or her and make sure he or she understands you.
• Provide immediate feedback to behavior; give the child verbal praise for appropriate behavior.
• Allow him or her to help whenever possible.
• Minimize distractions; structure the room so it is predictable for the child.