ADHD/ODD Behaviour Management

Hey! A few weeks ago I had my first experience working with a class who had a child with ADHD and ODD. It was a kindergarten class and I was lucky enough to have them for two consecutive days. Other teachers discussed the child's behaviour with myself and the teacher left noted explaining the behaviour reward system that was in place for the child. Needless to say however, I was nervous about the day!

For the morning session, we met up with another Kindergarten class and moved to a hall to complete work, as our classrooms were needed. This is a big change for a child with ADHD/ODD so I was concerned about the child's reaction. Whilst moving to the new location, the child was extremely loud and would shout NO! to everything anyone said to them. I figured getting to know this child was imperative, so I walked with them and discussed their interests and things they liked about school.

At this point, I asked if the child would like to be my 'Special Helper' throughout the day. WOW WOW WOW what a change in the child's attitude!! For the rest of the two days, the child was calm, helped all the other students, helped another child who also had special needs and completed all set work. There were some activities the child didn't want to complete the same as the rest of the class, but hey whatever works. So here are my tips that worked for me. Obviously every child is different and these may or may not work for you, but this is just worked for myself and this child;

* Build a rapport with the child. Take interest in the child, remembering that they are just that, a child. They need to know they are wanted and valued.

* Give them special tasks. My student was asked to assist other specific students, ran a maths centre and helped me to get supplies ready.

* Praise, Praise, Praise! I had the other students comment on what they thought of the child's behaviour at the end of class, and the positive comments had all the children glowing with pride. I also wrote a letter home praising the child's behaviour, and I read the letter to the child before they took it home. The child was so proud and remember, children with behaviour problems rarely get good feedback.

* Pick your fights. There were times that I simply ignored some of the students behaviour, such as calling out or not completing work the same as all the other students. Sometimes you just have to let it go!

I really hope some of these tips work for you, and I will make a note that this child was on medication.
Jaide xx