If a child exhibits eight (8) or more of these signs, it is likely that attention disorder is related to the observed behaviors.

1. Often moves his or her feet or hands, or squirms in seat.
2. Has a real need to get up and move.
3. Anything seems to distract this student.
4. Has a very hard time waiting for his or her turn.
5. Wants to give answers or comments immediately without thinking them through.
6. Has trouble doing what others tell him or her to do.
7. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
8. Often goes to other tasks even before the first one is finished.
9. Talks a lot.
10. Interrupts others or takes things from other children.
11. Doesn’t seem to hear you or pay attention when you talk to him or her.
12. Often loses things needed for school.
13. Often engages in dangerous activities without considering the consequences.

Modifying the Classroom Environment

The following are some key ways to modify the classroom environment for ADHD/ADD students. (See next post for a full checklist.)

• Learn to realize what this student can and should be expected to do.
• Change teaching strategies during the lesson.
• Create contracts with specific behaviors.
• Reward often and be able to change rewards every few weeks.
• Give this person a place to work apart from others.
• Allow this person some latitude in his or her responses.
• Use specific consequences.
• Give as much structure and consistency as possible.