A Practical Guide for New Zealand Early Childhood Educators
Simple Strategies, Play-Based Approaches, and Tools for Kindergartens and Early Learning Settings
Empower Young Minds. Support Every Child.
Whether you’re a kaiako in a kindergarten, early learning service, or home-based setting, Supporting Young Children with ADHD is your practical, New Zealand-specific guide to understanding and working with young children who think, move, and learn differently.
This easy-to-use resource (140 pages provided to you in PDF and Google Docs so you can copy, share and use the templates) is written in everyday language, packed with play-based ideas, and grounded in the realities of the early years. Designed especially for the New Zealand context, it blends child development knowledge with inclusive teaching practices that celebrate neurodiversity and empower you to create calm, structured, and joyful learning spaces.
What You’ll Discover Inside (see the full topics list at the end):
- What ADHD Looks Like in the Early Years: Understand signs, behaviours, and common myths so you can identify early needs with confidence.
- Creating Calm, Predictable Environments: Practical tips for designing ADHD-friendly spaces, supporting transitions, and reducing sensory overload.
- Play-Based Learning That Works: Strategies to build focus, language, attention, and self-regulation—through play, movement, music, and hands-on fun.
- Social and Emotional Development: Tools to support friendships, teach turn-taking, manage big emotions, and resolve conflict gently.
- Partnering with Whānau and Specialists: Guidance on respectful communication, shared goal-setting, and working as a team around each child.
- Tools and Templates Throughout: No need to look elsewhere—use the included ready-to-go checklists, visual supports, calm kit guides, meeting summaries, observation notes, social story templates, and more.
What You’ll Receive:
When you purchase this ebook, you’ll get:
- A downloadable PDF copy – perfect for printing or reading offline
- Google Docs version – ready to edit, customise, and share with your team
- A Microsoft Word Doc version – ready to edit, customise, and share with your team
- All templates and worksheets built right into the chapters so they’re easy to copy and use them
The Full List of the Contents:
Understanding ADHD in the Early Years
- What is ADHD? An Age-Appropriate Overview
- How ADHD May Look in Young Children
- Early Observation Notes Template
- Common Myths and Misunderstandings
- ADHD and Brain Development in the Early Years
- Early Warning Signs in Preschool and Kindergarten Settings
Building a Supportive Learning Environment
- Designing Calm and Structured Spaces
- Creating Predictable Daily Routines
- Supporting Transitions Between Activities
- Using Visual Schedules and Simple Prompts
- Minimising Sensory Overload and Distractions
- Daily Visual Schedule Template
- Transition Support Cue Cards Template
- Environmental Audit Checklist for ADHD-Friendly Early Childhood Spaces
Supporting Positive Behaviour
- Understanding Behaviour as Communication
- Behaviour as Communication, Observation, and Reflection Tool
- Using Positive Reinforcement and Gentle Redirection
- Preventing Meltdowns and Managing Big Emotions
- Calming Strategies Checklist for Tamariki
- Visual Aid Template: “My Calm Down Choices”
- Teaching Self-Regulation Through Play and Routine
- Play Activities That Promote Self-Regulation
- Routine Ideas That Support Self-Regulation
- Visual Schedule Template
- Collaborating with Whānau on Behaviour Support
- Whānau Communication Template: Behaviour Support Check-In
- Simple Behaviour Support Plan Template
Play-Based Learning Strategies That Work
- Engaging Children Through Multi-Sensory Play
- Multi-Sensory Play Activity Ideas for Early Childhood Educators
- Supporting Focus and Attention in Group Activities
- Group Time Support Tips for Children with ADHD
- Group Time Visual Cue Cards
- Incorporating Movement and Outdoor Play
- Using Music, Storytelling, and Hands-On Tasks
- Creating Calm Spaces for Self-Regulation
- Calm Space Setup Checklist
Communication and Social Development
- Supporting Language and Listening Skills
- Helping with Turn-Taking and Shared Play
- Coaching Social Skills Through Everyday Moments
- Guiding Peer Interactions and Conflict Resolution
- Building Empathy and Friendships
- Simple Social Story Template
- Conflict Resolution Steps
Working with Whānau and Specialists
- Building Strong, Respectful Relationships with Whānau
- Sharing Concerns in a Supportive Way
- Creating Shared Goals and Strategies
- Working with Resource Teachers, Therapists, and Health Services
- Supporting the Path to Assessment or Diagnosis
- Whānau Meeting Summary Template
- Shared Goals Worksheet
- Referral and Support Network Checklist
Appendices
- Glossary of Terms for Early Childhood ADHD Support
- Recommended Books, Websites, and Resources
- National Contacts and Support Services (e.g., Ministry of Education, Plunket, RTLB)
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