subject: ADHD Kids - Helping Them With Homework Tasks Which Need Concentration [print this page] Most people know that ADHD kids are going to fidget and squirm a lot, at least if they are suffering from the hyperactive sub type. But did you know that this fidgeting actually helps them when have to concentrate? This is the result which Mark Rapport of The University of Central Florida obtained after a very important study with ADHD kids.
Just as we doodle during meetings, ADHD kids will become quite restless when faced with certain tasks. They will tap their feet and maybe swivel in their chairs. Dr. Rapport noticed this was the case where short term memory is required. He gave them a task which was not that easy. They had to remember a series of numbers they had been shown and then put them back in the original order. As the tasks got harder, they started to bounce and swivel around even more. It seems that they need some physical movement to help them with their memory and concentration.
Interestingly enough, when he showed them a scene from Star Wars, the kids stopped jiggling and squirming. The reason is that this type of activity does not need the short term memory so they sat quite still. The same phenomenon was observed when they played video games. Homework is on another concentration plane, unfortunately!
How can we help them with homework and other tasks which need concentration? The first thing is to provide the ideal environment away from distractions. If they want to listen to music on the pods, that is fine, because that may help them to focus. I know one boy who wore a hood in class to hide his earphones and started to get great grades! We can buy them a stability call so that they can move to keep their balance. We can even give them a stress ball to squeeze and so on.
Maybe classrooms with ADHD kids should have exercise or stability balls instead of chairs. I know that a few enlightened teachers and schools have tried this with success. I know other teachers who have told me that when the children with ADHD were allowed to move, it made a big difference and then they began to get better grades.
So, fidgeting is welcome during homework time. It will also help you both to get through it more quickly. As regards other ways of providing support, helping with medication and giving ADHD kids a chance to manage their lives, I have set up a webpage where you can find all the useful information quickly and easily.
ADHD Kids - Helping Them With Homework Tasks Which Need Concentration
