Low TechReading Focus Card
~These cards help students focus on just one line at a time when reading. It highlights the line that will be read and lets the child focus. This tool can easily be made with cardboard or cardstock, and see-through plastic that can be bought and cut up from dividers. Although there are places where you can buy this tool, creating it is much less expensive and accomplishes the task just the same. You can click on the image below to find out how to create your own reading focus card. Rubberband on Leg of Desk Chair
~ This tool is also fairly inexpensive, you just need to purchase rubberbands. You simply take the rubberband, it will need to be a fairly large rubberband that can streach far, and wrap it around the two front legs of the child's desk chair. When the child gets anxious and feels the need to move, they can simply kick the rubberband without disturbing or disrupting the rest of the class. School Desk Organizer
~ This tool would be really helpful in keeping students organized. It is a little bag that goes over the back of a student's desk chair and they can keep the materials they need for that subject in the pouch. This way the student doesn't have to worry about finding their materials in a cluttered desk. Helping the students stay organized can help them stay in task and get the information necessary for learning. If you click on the picture below, you can find out how to make one of these organizer at a low cost. Fin, Fur, and Feather Bureau of Investigation On-line Games
~ This completely free on-line program is geared specifically for students with ADHD. It was created to target the issues and possible problems associated with this disability, such as short-term memory. The interactive games teach useful skills and strategies while allowing students to subconsciously learn how to focus and maintain their attention to complete the 'missions'. |
Mid TechNotes and Books on Tape
~ This is a much less expensive alternative to the livescribe pen listed in high tech. While the teacher is presenting notes, he or she can have a recorder near to record everything that she or he is saying. The student is still responsible for writing the notes, but if the students misses an key notes, they are recorded for review later. The student can then take the recording home and listen to anything they may have missed. The teacher can also record books on this device as well so that the student may listen to the story and follow along in the book. These devices range from $30-$100. Stopwatch or Timer
~This tool is a great way to give students a friendly reminder to keep focussed and complete their given task. Teachers can simply set the time or stopwatch to go off every so often as a reminder to the child to make sure they are staying on task. This makes it easier for the teacher and the students. The teacher does not have to continually go to the students personally and the student does not have to be scolded repeatedly for not being on task. The timer or stopwatch will be the reminder. Invisible Clock:
~ This device is a great way to help students with ADHD focus on their task while allowing them breaks to let out their energy and re-focus on their task. The clock can be attached to the child's belt loop or pants and can be set to either beep or vibrate. It can be set to go off at specific intervals (i.e. every hour, half hour, 15 minutes, etc) or it also has 12 different alarms that can be set for reminders for taking medications on time or other specific activities. This device costs $39.95, which is fairly inexpensive. Click on the picture below to learn more information about this product. |
High TechLivescribe Pen
~ This pen is a great tool for students who struggle with taking notes because of their inattentiveness due to ADHD. This pen allows the student take note while it also records audio. This way the student does not have to write everything the teacher is saying, but can jot down key ideas. The audio can be synced to any computer, ipad, or smart phone where the child can hear the teacher and see their notes. Students with ADHD can use this device to stay on track when taking notes. Click on the image below to watch a video demo. These devices range from $150-$300. Time4Learning
~ This tool is a contract-free on-line program for extra assistance for students who are struggling. Many students with ADHD have difficulty focusing on instruction and keeping on with the pace of the classroom. This can create issues where the student is consistently falling behind academically. This program allows the student to complete practice work in ever subject according to their cognitive grade-level. This allows the student to work on their level and at their own pace. This program is $19.95 per month with $14.95 for every additional child. Click on the picture below to acess more information. Dragon Naturally Speaking:
~ This tool would be really helpful in organizing thoughts and putting them to paper. With the voice recognition, the students just needs to speak into the microphone and any words spoken will be written onto any document. This can also be used to navigate webpages or create other documents such as powerpoint. With voice activation, the student has the power to organie and create their own work verbally. However this device ranges from $75-$150, so it is pretty expensive. Click on the picture below to learn more about how this product works. |
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
-- a disorder that is characterized by persistent patterns of inattentiveness and hyperactivity. This disorder is difficult to diagnose because the characteristic patterns are vague and overdiagnosis is common.