How can I enhance my child's classroom experience?

Seat child near the teacher and away from distractions. This will help your child focus on the material at hand, making them less likely to be distracted by things going on in the room.

Meet regularly with the teacher to discuss learning needs. Being on the same page with your child's teacher can drastically improve their performance, because you will have a better idea of what you need to do.  If necessary, schedule appointments with guidance counselors.

Eat lunch at school with your child regularly.  This is a great way to be in touch with your child's world, who they are spending time with and being influenced by.  Keep in mind, this may not work for all children.  As children with ADHD frequently have social difficulties, eating lunch with them at school may aggravate these issues (Hoza et al., 2005).

Have your child organize his or her desk once a week, ask the teacher for help if necessary.Having a disorganized working space is overwhelming for most adults, let alone a child who is easily distracted by any number of variables. Help them establish a habit of being organized.

Have your child write all assignments in an assignment book. Make sure that they bring this assignment book home everyday. In order to hold them accountable review it with them daily. Coordinate with teachers to make sure that all homework is being written down and turned in.  This will prevent problems at the end of the grading period when assignments have not been turned in.

Adapted from The Bible Cure for ADD and Hyperactivity (Colbert, 2001)

Next: Helping your child have a good morning