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I need ideas for homeschooling an ADHD 9 yr old boy. This is my first year and it's been a challenge. Can anyone help?

Hi Foxylady20,

I homeschooled my own son for 2 years and I know it can be challenging.

I now work at a school specifically for students with learning disabilities. The majority of these students have ADD or ADHD also. Many of them were previously homeschooled too.

What we find works the best is to have structure and a routine in place and follow that to a tee. Also, allow your son frequent breaks to get up and move around and get a bit of physical exercise.

When you are asking him to sit and work, particularly any tasks that are more difficult for him, give him a stress ball or fidget toy to play with in one hand while he writes or reads or takes quizzes, ect. Just being able to touch something and have that sensory integration will help calm him and allow him to focus.

Break down tasks into small chunks to be completed. Play to his strengths while working on his challenges. If he is good at drawing, allow him to draw out his book reports. If he can remember things better when they are put to music, help him make up songs to memorize things such as rules or formulas.

Most of all, just make sure he knows you love and accept him no matter who he is.

I hope this helps.

Valerie

Thanks, that helps. We have good days and bad days. About once a week he decides he doesn't want to do school. How do I handle that without coming down on him. He just shuts down and I can't get any work out of him.

Hi Foxy-

I homeschool two kids who are diagnosed with attention problems. Here are some things we have found helpful:

start the days with high protein/low sugar and carbs

frequent breaks to stretch and to hydrate (we drink lots of water, little juice and almost no soda)

when they get stuck drifting off, a short burst of exercise can do wonders! Try jumping jacks or a jog around the house.

don't be afraid to be flexible about time of day lessons are done, letting him choose what order to do his subjects in, etc.

good luck!