Tips for Online Schooling with ADHD
Online schooling can be challenging for anyone, but it can be even more difficult for those with ADHD. We understand the unique struggles ADHD can bring, such as difficulty staying focused, managing time, and staying organised. These can significantly impact a child's education. However, online schooling can be an excellent option for students with ADHD, and we're here to provide our top tips for parents helping ADHD children with online schooling.
Gaia Learning, an online education ecosystem, is uniquely designed to empower neurodivergent children. It was born from the personal experiences of our co-founders, Kate Longworth and Kirstin Coughtrie, who are both parents of neurodivergent children. Kirstin's son, who has ADHD, inspired her to seek an alternative to medication for his education, leading to the exploration of how online learning can benefit children with ADHD.
At Gaia Learning, our commitment to inclusion for neurodivergent individuals is not just a statement; it's a core part of our organisation. Many of our educators and core staff team are also neurodivergent, bringing unique insight and expertise to improve the support we offer to our learners continually.
Using all of Gaia Learning's expertise, we have written this article to provide top tips for ensuring online schooling for kids with ADHD is a success! We're here to support you in this journey, empowering you with the knowledge and tools to confidently navigate online schooling.
To help you gain confidence in online schooling for ADHD, we are sharing some of our Gaia Learning top tips for Online Schooling with ADHD.
Look for interactivity
What comes to mind when you think of online learning? Is it a dull, boring Zoom call, the kind that we all sat through one too many during the pandemic? If so, we completely understand your hesitation regarding how ADHD and online learning could be a match.
Our first tip is crucial: Look for interactivity. Traditional classroom settings often lack the stimulation and interactivity that can engage children with ADHD. When choosing an online learning provider, avoid those relying solely on Zoom calls and pre-recorded videos. Instead, opt for platforms that offer a variety of delivery methods to keep your child constantly engaged.
Interactivity isn't purely about the teaching method used but also the content; learners who have ADHD have interest-based nervous systems. This means that they find engaging in learning on topics that they have a strong interest in much easier, and therefore, finding an online schooling option that allows them to explore and focus on their areas of interest will help with interactivity.
In addition, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is a framework rooted in neuroscience research and pedagogical understanding. It utilises flexible learning environments and removes barriers to students (Frolli et al., 2023). UDL is a teaching methodology that you should look out for when looking for an interactive online schooling environment for your ADHD child.
UDL specifically highlights to educators the importance of delivering their sessions in unique and different ways to a traditional classroom setting; for learners with ADHD, this could specifically look like accessing information through various media, visual aids, and technological solutions to help accommodate their unique learning styles, in turn enhancing their engagement with sessions (Frolli et al., 2023).
Student-guided learning
Student-guided learning can benefit children with ADHD who are accessing online schooling. Student-guided learning empowers students to take the lead in their education, setting goals, planning their time, and deciding how to approach their additional learning outside of sessions.
This approach can be constructive for children with ADHD because it allows them to work at their own pace and in a way that suits their learning styles. Giving them more control over their learning can make them feel more invested in their education, increasing motivation and engagement.
Furthermore, student-guided learning can help children with ADHD develop crucial executive functioning skills, such as organisation, time management, and self-regulation. By practising these skills in a safe and supportive environment, children with ADHD can build the confidence and habits necessary to succeed in online learning.
Overall, student-guided learning can be a powerful tool for children with ADHD learning online. By focusing on the student's unique strengths and needs, this approach can help them thrive academically and build the skills necessary to succeed in the future.
Create a routine
Another great tip for helping a child with ADHD thrive with online schooling is to help them establish a routine. A strong routine can increase focus and concentration, reducing distractions from learning. This can help the child complete their online school work more efficiently.
A routine also supports a reduction in both stress and anxiety. Both of these are often contributors to difficulties in education for neurodivergent children, and a routine supports them by helping them feel more in control and less overwhelmed. People with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning skills, the main one being time management. Building a solid routine helps children to further develop their time management skills by supporting them in learning how to break down tasks and learning into smaller, more manageable chunks that are achievable.
Lastly, a routine can also help a child with ADHD feel an increased sense of independence and ownership over their learning. It helps them learn how to manage their time and responsibilities without relying on constant reminders from parents or teachers. Overall, having a routine can provide children with ADHD who attend online schooling with a sense of structure and predictability. This can help them better manage their symptoms and succeed academically and socially.
Learn in the right setting
Creating the right environment at home is crucial for children with ADHD who access online schooling.
Each child with ADHD is unique, and equally, so will the suitable environment for them to learn in. To help you understand what will work best for you and your child, we would encourage you to work through the following questions:
What space do you feel most calm in?
What helps you to focus on learning?
What do you find most distracting?
Do you learn best with others around you or alone?
What would a perfect space look like for you to complete your online learning?
Remember: it doesn't have to be online all the time
For children with ADHD who access online schooling, it is essential to remember that their learning does not have to be solely online. Although online schooling can be an excellent option, it is not the only way they can learn.
Additionally, utilising various learning methods can help children with ADHD better engage with their online schooling and retain information. Hands-on activities like experiments or art projects can make learning more interactive and engaging. Incorporating movement breaks, such as stretching or taking a walk, can also help children with ADHD better focus and concentrate. Working with educators, parents, and other support systems can also help children with ADHD receive a well-rounded education that meets their unique needs and strengths. By utilising a variety of resources and methods, children with ADHD can succeed academically and socially, and accessing online schooling can support this.
Useful Resources for Parents Helping ADHD Children with Online Schooling
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