How to help a child with ADHD focus in school when their mind seems to wander by default? Well, that’s exactly the conundrum we’re going to solve in this article and show you how ADHD affects education and how they can coexist successfully with the right strategies and support. 

The thing is that children with ADHD have lower dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which means they get easily distracted by internal and external stimuli — a tapping  pencil, a chirping bird, or even their own imagination. However, this is not true for everyone — some children with ADHD may actually concentrate better when they have access to specific sensory inputs, like movement or background sounds. We’ll explain later in the article. 

But again, following strategies listed in this article, your child can thrive (remember Emma Watson? She is successful. And she’s a great example of a child whose parents knew how to manage ADHD 😉). Let us show you how.

How ADHD Challenges in School Present Uniquely for Each Child

You probably know that the notorious ‘ADHD and school’ combination presents differently. ADHD doesn’t mean running and screaming as most people would assume. In many cases, ADHD children would find themselves daydreaming, looking out the window and not paying attention to the lesson. The diagnosis gets delayed if your child performs great at school (this is common for girls with ADHD) and showcases appropriate behavior. 

Let us explain. Some ADHD students are hyperactive, impulsive, and talkative. They tend to show traditional ADHD symptoms, hence are way easier diagnosed. The typical middle or high school problems that such a child experiences would often result in the following:

• Frequent interruptions during class discussions

• Difficulty staying seated or remaining still during classes

• Trouble waiting their turn in group activities

• Acting without thinking 

For other, more introverted students, inattention and internal restlessness are more common. That’s why they can stay undiagnosed for years, especially if their grades are good. Their struggles might differ compared to their more hyperactive counterparts:

• A tendency to miss important details in instructions

• Difficulty engaging in group activities or discussions

• Frequent daydreaming during classes

• Trouble initiating tasks or finding motivation

If your child has the inattentive ADHD type but was timely diagnosed — congratulations! Now you can help your child thrive. 

Why is it all so important? Well, the better you know the most vivid symptoms of ADHD that your child struggles with, the easier it becomes to develop effective management strategies. 

IEP: A Specialized Program for Supporting Children with ADHD in School

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal plan designed to support children with learning differences by providing proper accommodations and developing an individual plan that helps every child succeed academically. 

Many parents wonder, ‘Is ADHD a special needs condition’? The answer is yes — ADHD qualifies as a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). But only if ADHD significantly interferes with your child’s daily routine, particularly at school, and impacts their academic performance or social development. 

However, it doesn’t cover all expenses — school districts usually receive only partial funding and must cover some of the costs themselves.

According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, you can request an IEP evaluation at no cost. Typically, the evaluation takes a few weeks to complete. It involves assessments from specialists such as speech therapists, occupational therapists, and your child's school psychologists.

Next, an IEP meeting is held with the child’s parent or caregiver, the teacher, specialists (such as child psychologists), and a representative from special education services. During the meeting, the team discusses how to help a child with ADHD in school and develops a specialized educational plan that outlines academic goals and accommodations to support their learning.

You’d ask, what are the special education services or accommodations typically listed in the IEP plan for ADHD education? Well, those might differ among ADHD students, but the most common include: 

• Support from a teaching assistant specializing in ADHD in schools (available temporarily or upon request)

• Targeted support in specific subjects where the child struggles; for instance, extra math classes

• Changes in the learning environment, such as allowing headphones to minimize distractions

• Flexible task formats, such as giving extra time for tests and assignments

• Additional breaks under the supervision of an assistant to help with focus

As for the special accommodations, those might be:

• Access to a second set of textbooks (one for school, one for home)

• Use of assistive technology, such as headphones, tablets, or speech-to-text tools

• Permission to complete tasks verbally instead of in writing

• Access to a quiet space for tests or study sessions

• Flexible deadlines for assignments during challenging periods

You can request an additional IEP assessment meeting to check out the progress of your child and make adjustments if needed. Between regular meetings, parents can also discuss their child’s progress with teachers and monitor the effectiveness of the IEP at home.

Creating and Sticking to a Behavior Plan as a Part of Managing ADHD in School

Or, it’s better to say, a behavior intervention plan (BIP). It’s very similar to the IEP idea, but has a few important differences: 

• It’s not always separate from the IEP; a Behavioral Intervention Plan (BIP) can be part of the IEP if a child’s behavior significantly affects their learning

• It’s developed when a student showcases a disruptive behavior that negatively interferes with the learning process

• ADHD learning strategies can greatly impact a child’s academic success, as behavior and learning are closely linked for students with ADHD, but require sustained mental effort

• You can get a BIP up and running faster than an IEP, since a BIP doesn’t need a long evaluation process

• A BIP tracks progress in a student's behavior, while an IEP tracks student’s academic performance and whether they stick to their learning objectives

Please note that a behavior intervention plan is NOT a document used to reprimand a student. It is rather a plan that focuses on fostering positive behavior and improving engagement in ADHD and education settings and is developed in a collaboration with the child’s teacher and psychologists.

A BIP typically includes the description of the child’s behavior, reasons, and possible interventions aka practical ADHD management strategies. The latter should be measurable, realistic, and progressive. They should also consider the child's developmental level and abilities.

Also, for a behavior intervention plan to work, it should be specific and include clear detailed instructions. Let’s say you decide to set a goal for your child to raise their hand before speaking during class. This could be tracked over a week, with a specific target of achieving this at least three times a day. 

Now let’s find out the other ways that you can collaborate with your child's teachers if you want to be more flexible in your options.

Working with Teachers to Help Students with ADHD Focus in School

Even if you’re not planning to have an IEP for your child, it’s a great idea to talk to their teachers. Schedule a meeting to discuss your child’s behavior triggers and what the teacher can do to help. But please, prepare in advance, that not all teachers are trained to recognize ADHD in children, let alone know how to accommodate your child’s needs. So, you’ll have to be as thorough as you can in your requests. 

Here are a few things to tell your teacher about.

Optimized School Environment

One simple request is to have your child sit closer to the teacher, away from windows and doors. This can minimize distractions from noises and chatter in the back row, therefore, make a big difference for a child with ADHD struggling in school.

Using headphones or earplugs can work wonders during seat work and tests, as they help keep distracting sounds at bay. Additionally, students with ADHD benefit from shorter lessons or those where the pacing changes. Ask a teacher to include hands-on activities or interactive discussions into the lesson plans if that is possible.

Redirection Techniques

Scolding your child is a last resort in ADHD learning strategies, and, honestly, it should NEVER happen. Otherwise, your child would feel like a burden, and that’s not what you want for your child, right? Instead, find ways to gently bring them back into focus when they drift away. Is it a pat on the shoulder? Or maybe calling their name in a specific tone of voice? 

Discover what works best for your child and share those methods with their teacher. It’s crucial for teachers to avoid negative reactions to a child's behavioral and educational challenges. Instead, they should focus on positive reinforcement, emphasizing positive redirection and support rather than simply avoiding criticism. 

Frequent Breaks

Students with ADHD might require more frequent breaks between assignments to release built-up energy. Ask the teacher if they can implement short breaks during lessons. For older kids, longer work intervals can be effective, but they will still need longer breaks. Younger kids, on the other hand, may need to work for shorter periods with even more frequent breaks.

Additional Special Support

Students with ADHD often require extra adult support as they struggle to follow instructions and stay on task. Ask your child’s teacher to offer reminders, encouragement, and gentle nudges to keep them focused throughout the lesson. Ask teachers to recognize your child’s small victories and provide positive feedback to boost your child's confidence and motivation in school. 

Technology Use

Digital timers and focus apps can be a great answer to ‘How to help a child with ADHD focus in school?’ Digital timers offer visual and auditory cues that help students stay on track during assignments or tests. 

Meanwhile, most focus apps block the phone access. For instance, a child can plant a virtual tree in a Forest app when they start a task. If they stay on task for a set time, the tree grows. However, if they leave the app, the tree withers. This visual representation of their focus can motivate kids to concentrate. If you’ve found out that your child benefits from these magic digital tools, ask the teacher about the school’s cell phone policy. 

Other Tips on Managing ADHD Symptoms in School

Here are a few more things to add to your child’s ADHD education routine that you can also communicate to their teacher.

• Short breaks between assignments or lessons. Simple activities like stretching or jumping can help release pent-up energy and help children return to their tasks with improved concentration. 

• Break tasks down into digestible chunks. Your child might get overwhelmed when given a big task like ‘Draw a picture in one lesson.’ Instead, teachers can break down the task into smaller steps, guiding ADHD students to focus on each part. When a child knows that they should focus for only 5 minutes, they feel less pressured.

• Provide ADHD-friendly snacks. Prepare snacks that promote stable energy levels. Foods that are low in sugar and high in protein can help avoid spikes in energy that often lead to hyperactivity. Consider options like nuts, yogurt, or whole-grain snacks to support sustained focus.

• Schedule medication. Discuss with the healthcare provider about the best schedule that aligns with school hours. You can set up a digital alarm with a visual display that goes off when it’s time for your child’s medication. You can also create small cards-reminders with pictures or words and put them into your child’s backpack or lunchbox.

Why Making Learning Fun is an Effective Approach in ADHD Education 

Playful and enjoyable learning increases the chances of any kid to stay focused. Here are some fun strategies to make school a happier place with manageable activities. 

Feel free to suggest these ideas to your child’s teacher.

• Funny breaks. No, we don’t mean doing a TikTok video, though this might be fun too if a teacher allows and participates in the video making process. What we mean is asking the teacher if they can add dancing, walking, or playing a quick game to let a child unwind. 

• Introducing ‘focus’ objects. Allow your child to choose a favorite item, like a stress ball or a toy, that they can keep nearby. This will be their reminder to concentrate each time they hold it or put it on the child's desk. Then, ask the teacher if they can bring it to school. 

• Active reading. How to help a child with ADHD focus in school during tedious school activities like reading? Active reading is the key! Sitting quietly with a book might feel like a torture for a hyperactive child. A teacher can encourage students to read aloud, impersonate characters, or even come to school dressed as their favorite story characters to perform a play. 

• Fun calendars. Find a colorful paper calendar featuring your child’s favorite movie or video game characters, and work together to turn it into a rainbow of tasks. Help your child list assignments and color-code different subjects. You can also use stickers to mark important dates, completed tasks, or special events. 

• Mix up learning styles. Teachers should engage all child’s sensory channels during the learning process. For instance, when learning about animals, teachers can show videos or slides to captivate a child's interest. Also, hands-on activities are essential. Simple experiments, like planting seeds and watching them grow, let kids engage directly with their learning, keeping the process memorable and fun, and regular classroom rules would not work as effectively as active learning styles.

Mastering Homework: How Parents Can Help a Child with ADHD in School

While learning how to help your child to focus in school, you should also know how to help them focus at home. All because the skills they learn at home can help them better focus while at school. 

Here are a few things you can do right now.

Track Progress in a Fun Way

Let’s say your child has to read a story. Set a fun reading goal! Ask how many pages they want to read and encourage them to do the note taking. Once the time is up, encourage them to compare their results. Celebrate the time they spent focused on the task, even if they didn't reach their goal.

If they noted on paper that they’d read 2 pages in 10 minutes, reward them for staying focused on the task for that time, even if they read fewer pages than planned. Keep in mind that you’re training their FOCUS— don’t try to turn your child into a know-it-all productivity machine. 

Create Distraction-Free Studying Surroundings 

Help your child organize their own corner for studying, free of distractions like loud noises or clutter. This can be a cozy nook in their own room, a place near the window, or even a spot outside if the weather is nice. Let your child make the space truly their own with favorite colors, cushions, or artwork.

Add items that help focus, like a soft lamp for gentle lighting. Try to choose school supplies to the child's liking. The more ownership they have over this space, the more likely they’ll associate it with productivity and focus.

You can also set calming noises like the splashing sea waves, birds chirping, or calm rain music and ask your child if they’d like to wear headphones while working to help them get fewer distractions.

Introduce a Simple Manageable Studying Routine 

If your child has a routine in their ADHD education, they know what to expect, when it’s time to focus, hence feel less stressed. For example, set aside specific hours, like 3 PM to 7 PM, dedicated to homework. 

You can also add color-coded charts and visual schedules on the wall so your child knows what to expect throughout the school day. This way, they can easily see their tasks and break times.

Add Visual Time Management 

Help your child visualize how time passes while they work. Use a sand timer or a visual countdown clock to provide a clear sense of how long they have left to complete an assignment. The tangible representation of time reduces their anxiety and helps them stop asking questions like ‘When can I have a break?’ 

Divide Tasks into Smaller Chunks

Tackling tasks can feel like climbing a steep hill for your child. Here is what you can do to help them. Break down activities into clear, step-by-step processes with tangible steps. 

Let’s say your child wants to draw a picture. Instead of simply saying, "Go draw," you can provide specific, bite-sized instructions. Start with the first step: “Take the crayons from the drawer.” Next, guide them to the second step: “Put the crayons on the table.” Then, say, “Grab a piece of paper and place it on the table.” They’ll feel like they’re crossing things off a list, and that little boost in confidence makes all the difference.

Introduce a Reward System

A reward system is a cornerstone in attention deficit disorder education. You’d ask, ‘Why?’ Well, according to the research, students with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This means that they might not experience the same level of motivation from typical rewards or praise. And when you provide an external reward, it might stimulate the release of dopamine. In turn, many children with ADHD may experience an enhanced sense of achievement, which encourages them to engage more fully in tasks. 

This technique is called positive reinforcement and helps create a feedback loop that promotes productivity and focus. 

Supporting Your Child’s ADHD Journey in Education 

Now you know how to help a child with ADHD. You can use all the ADHD learning strategies we’ve mentioned in collaboration with your child’s teacher. And don’t forget, applying for an IEP could be a game-changer.

Anyway, it’s all about finding the right approach that suits your child best.

How can Liven help?

• Your child can use the app to track their mood throughout the day

• Schedule their medication time, events, and daily activities

• Get more organized overall

• Reduce anxiety with a science-backed approach

Also, please don’t forget that emotional support is just as crucial as academic guidance. Acknowledge your child’s feelings, celebrate their victories, and be a safe space for them. Because at the end of a day, every child deserves a hug. 

References 

ADDitude. (2024, October 14). Step-by-step guide for securing ADHD accommodations at school. https://www.additudemag.com/504-plan-for-adhd-accommodations-at-school/ 

Pendharkar, E. (2023, August 17). What is an IEP? Individualized Education Programs, explained. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/what-is-an-iep-individualized-education-programs-explained/2023/07 

Sibley, M. H., Kelleher, I., & McCarthy, D. (2023). Non-pharmacological interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, 7(6), 415–428. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2352-4642(23)00048-6