Teacher Checklist

The following are some ways to modify the classroom environment for students with special needs:

• Reduce the number of assignments.
• Decrease the amount of writing in an assignment.
• Modify tests (e.g., read math problems to student).
• Extend time for assignment completion.
• Participation at homework center.
• Use a timer to determine the amount of time to be spent on a particular assignment.
• Use visual aids when giving instruction.
• Use short, concise directions.
• Have a buddy repeat the directions to the student.
• Student uses a personal chalkboard/whiteboard.
• Provide a special study area.
• Provide a special learning partner.
• Have the student use a notebook/contract for organization.
• Demand an organized desk area and notebook.
• Timeout to another classroom.
• Provide “activity breaks.”
• Have the student dictate thought or story to an aide. Aide writes it down and student copies it.
• Encourage student to use a marker while reading.
• Change seating.
• Put fewer problems on each page.
• Assign short period of concentrated effort.
• Shorten assignments.
• Provide student with the opportunity to take the assignment home or to the homework center.
• Provide written directions.
• Encourage student to repeat your question before answering it.
• Teacher lists assignment on board and student copies it.
• Break complex directions into one- or two-step tasks.
• Change class assignments.
• Allow student to use earphones to screen out distractions while involved in a paper and pencil task.
• Vary test format.
• Deploy the student within classroom.
• Have the student work with an aide or cross-age tutor.
• Have the student use a computer for writing assignments.

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.