Education Advice from Scott Groza of Groza Learning Center
A Follow-up Article to Last Month’s “Does My Kid Have ADHD?”
Each month, Scott Groza, Director / Co-Founder of Groza Learning Center and private school Groza Academy, answers parent questions regarding their student’s education. Have a question? Send it to AskGroza@GrozaLearningCenter.com.
Every student is different, especially if multiple diagnoses are involved, but time and time again, the single most important and effective kind of support kids with ADHD need is structure. Beyond that, success rises when tasks and information are broken down into smaller, more manageable components, when information is presented in a way that they can easily access, and when they are motivated to engage with the information or activity.
PROVIDE STRUCTURE
Provide Organizational Systems: Organizational systems help kids develop executive functioning habits and include tracking tools such as planners, charts and checklists, plus the routines and step-by-step procedures that make use of these tools.
Provide Procedures: Good executive functioning habits are key to academic success and kids with ADHD may need to actively manage the same habits that other students adopt automatically. Providing very clearly defined procedures is the first step in establishing these habits and moving toward automaticity. Provide procedures for…
School: Planner usage, note taking, noting steps and assignments.
Homework: Planner checking, assignment tracking, study techniques
Long Projects: Calendaring, forecasting steps and time needed.
Provide Routine: Sometimes kids have trouble with task initiation, especially regarding homework and chores, so routine is an essential way to reduce indecision and procrastination and instill a habit of initiation. Create a routine that includes scheduled time for homework.
Remove Distractions: Kids with ADHD are particularly susceptible to distraction, so provide workspaces that are free of clutter, noise, and if needed, temptations such as TVs, computers, cell phones, etc.
BREAK DOWN TASKS AND INFORMATION
Make Small Chunks: Break down assignments into manageable tasks and small, meaningful chunks of information. Talk through long assignments and projects and create checklists with subtasks.
Cleary Define Steps: Unstructured, wide-open tasks are extremely difficult for kids with attentional and executive functioning challenges, so include even the most obvious steps as you make checklists for assignments and test preparedness.
Switch It Up: Switch subtasks and take breaks frequently to help a kid reset and ultimately focus on the greater task longer. For example, do five English and five math problems at intervals, or break an essay into subtasks and take breaks in between.
MAKE IT ACCESSIBLE
Target Learning Styles: Appeal to your kid’s learning styles, or how they learn best. Start by observing which of their five senses they favor. Do they prefer visuals, spoken or musical presentations, hands-on or physical experiences? Experiment and be creative. You can make colorful diagrams, write silly songs or toss a ball as you learn those math facts.
Make It Sticky: To heighten engagement and retention, give kids something that appeals to them. Have them read and write about favored topics. Apply that science concept to a favorite sport. Make that math assignment into a game.
MOTIVATE THEM
Be Explicit: Approach kids with a belief in their ability to take on new habits and say it out loud. Tell them that they will need to adopt these habits. And then be vocal about this expectation as you teach the habits thoroughly.
Give Choices: To help kids take ownership of organizational habits, give a limited number of choices and let them choose. Choices might be between two planners, starting with math or science or taking a break before or after reading.
Keep It Positive: It’s important to keep things positive so kids are not facing stressful situations or creating negative associations with their academic responsibilities. Praise the good stuff. Laugh. Find ways to have fun.
Reward Them: You can help motivate kids through a variety of rewards methods including praise, prizes and recognition systems such as a happy face chart on the fridge.
The goal with all this structure is always independence. You put the scaffolding in place as long as it’s needed and then slowly allow your kid to become independent.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
There are good doctors and professionals who can guide you through the ups and downs of an ADHD diagnosis and treatment options. Yes, kids with ADHD may have to work harder, but with realistic expectations and the right educational plans in place, they can thrive and have a rich academic experience.
Scott Groza, Director / Co-Founder of Groza Learning Center and Groza Academy, finds deep meaning in helping kids and parents successfully navigate the challenging world of academics. With a strong commitment to each student, team building, innovation, and individualized learning, he and his wife Christy Groza have created a multi-faceted educational company that specializes in Tutoring, Test Preparation, Reading Programs, and Private Schooling. The couple is thankful to have four children of their own and enjoys the wild adventure of parenting. Groza Learning Center and Groza Academy are based in Pacific Palisades, and have served the community for nearly 10 years.
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