How should paraeducators support students with ADHD in the classroom?

Supporting students with ADHD requires strategies that foster focus and engagement while accommodating their unique learning needs. Providing structured routines and minimizing distractions is especially effective for such students. Consistency in daily activities helps establish predictability, which can ease anxiety and improve concentration for learners who may struggle with attention. A well-organized environment reduces overwhelming stimuli that might distract these students, allowing them to better engage with their tasks.

While allowing frequent breaks can also be beneficial, structured routines are crucial for students with ADHD since they thrive when they know what to expect. Encouraging group activities can be advantageous for social skills, but it is not a targeted strategy for managing attention issues in the classroom setting. Limiting one-on-one interactions is counterproductive since many students with ADHD benefit from personalized guidance and support, which can help maintain their focus and address specific learning challenges. Therefore, the emphasis on structured routines and minimizing distractions is the most effective approach for supporting students with ADHD.