When it comes to teaching children who have a learning disability or ADHD, there are countless theories out there. Some are based on studies and research that shows a certain strategy is effective for some groups of children. Others may seem promising, but have yet to be proven.
The fact is, many children with ADHD or other learning disabilities have similar learning experiences to their peers when it comes to different learning styles, and as a parent, learning more about the different types of teaching and learning can help ensure all children thrive in the educational environment.
Learning Styles
Currently, there are seven known learning styles. Each one comes with its own merit and may be beneficial for children struggling to overcome learning disabilities. The seven styles are as follows:
Solitary or intrapersonal: In this learning style, a child prefers to work on their own.
Social or interpersonal: With this style of learning, the child does best in groups or learning with others.
Logical or mathematical: The child uses systems, reasoning and logic to learn.
Physical or kinesthetic: With this style of learning (which is extremely common for children with ADHD and other learning disabilities), the child prefers using their hands, body and sense of touch to learn.
Verbal or linguistic: This style of learning involves the use of words, in both writing and speech.
Aural or auditory-musical: The child prefers using music and sound to learn.
Visual or spatial: The child prefers using spatial understanding, images and pictures.
Determining a Child’s Learning Style
Each child is unique and different, and so is the way they learn. Just because a method works for one child struggling with ADHD or another learning disorder, it doesn’t mean this method is automatically going to work for another struggling with the same condition. It is best for teachers and parents to experiment with the various learning styles until they find one (or more than one, in some cases) that works best for the child in question. When it comes to teaching a child with learning disabilities, there doesn’t have to be one right method. The best way to help them learn is to figure out what they understand and what they are most comfortable with, then build from there.
If your child is struggling to overcome ADHD or another learning disability, then learning about the various styles of teaching and learning can be beneficial. This will help you and your child embrace what is being taught and have the best chance possible of grasping the concept. Interested in finding out how your child's brain works? Take our online assessment quiz to determine how you can best support his or her unique qualities.
FAQs
In general, children with ADHD are right-brained learners. They prefer to learn visually — by watching or doing a task in an activity-based, hands-on format, not by listening to lectures, practicing drills, or memorizing.
What learning disabilities are associated with ADHD? ›
Learning Disabilities
Fifty percent of children and adolescents with ADHD also have some type of learning disability (LD), such as dyslexia or auditory processing disorder. An LD may explain why a child with ADHD on medication can sit still and stay focused and yet do poorly academically.
What teaching style is best for ADHD? ›
As students with ADHD get bored easily, it is important to try and keep your educational content stimulating and varied. Also try to change your tone of voice and your pace of teaching presentations. Students with ADHD tend to respond better to concrete learning experiences.
What type of classroom is best for ADHD? ›
In private schools, you will often find smaller classroom sizes, which can prove highly beneficial for ADHD students. In a smaller classroom, there are fewer distractions. Students can, as a result, focus more easily on the tasks in front of them.
What are the 4 main learning styles? ›
Perhaps the most simple way of describing 'learning styles' is to say that they are different methods of learning or understanding new information, the way a person takes in, understand, expresses and remembers information. There are 4 predominant learning styles: Visual, Auditory, Read/Write, and Kinaesthetic.
Which learning theory is best for ADHD? ›
Making Learning Child-Centered
It's a tenet of the constructivist learning theory first proposed by Jean Piaget, and it considers the learning styles, preferences, and interests of the student. It encourages incidental learning. It's also a way to accommodate a child with ADHD.
What is the hardest subject for people with ADHD? ›
Students who are affected by ADHD often have a hard time with math because their memory is not very strong and blocking out external stimuli is a struggle. Memory, which is where information is stored for later use, is one of many executive functions.
Which curriculum is best for ADHD students? ›
Students with ADHD may enjoy arts and music. They may find it easier to focus in these subjects than they do in other academic areas. Some students with ADHD are very creative and may enjoy and excel in the arts.
What is the most common intervention for students with ADHD? ›
Peer Tutoring Peer tutoring has been shown to be effective in supporting academic and behavioral gains among students with ADHD. It is recommended that peer tutors be of the same gender as the student with ADHD and have higher academic and better behavioral skills.
How do you accommodate learners with ADHD? ›
Create worksheets and tests with fewer items, give frequent short quizzes rather than long tests, and reduce the number of timed tests. Test students with ADHD in the way they do best, such as orally or filling in blanks. Divide long-term projects into segments and assign a completion goal for each segment.
Six teaching strategies that can be helpful when working with students who have ADHD include:
- Focusing on short-term goals.
- Breaking projects down into smaller steps.
- Rewarding good behavior and work.
- Taking short breaks to help kids release energy.
- Communicating directions clearly and consistently.
Physical or kinesthetic: With this style of learning (which is extremely common for children with ADHD and other learning disabilities), the child prefers using their hands, body and sense of touch to learn. Verbal or linguistic: This style of learning involves the use of words, in both writing and speech.
How does an ADHD child learn best? ›
Provide visual reminders.
Students with ADHD respond well to visual cues and examples. For instance, demonstrate a skill like essay writing on an overhead projector or on the board.
How do students with ADHD study best? ›
Use a laptop computer to take class notes. Space studying throughout the day into one hour sessions rather than having to spend 3-4 hours in the evening. Find your prime study time when you are most attentive and at your best. Figure at what type of environment is best, white noise versus absolute quiet.
What are the educational approaches to ADHD? ›
Simplify instructions and learning
Consider breaking down big tasks into smaller ones. For example, give step-by-step written and verbal instructions with visual supports (pictures). Other strategies include providing opportunities for the student to respond, using activity sequencing, and allowing choice.
