What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Simple adjustments can help every student succeed—especially those with ADHD.
No matter what level you’re teaching—early childhood, primary, or secondary—there’s a good chance you have students with ADHD in your classroom. You might recognise them as the ones who can’t seem to sit still, who call out impulsively, or who forget their homework (again). But ADHD is much more than just “bad behaviour” or being easily distracted. It’s a neurodevelopmental difference that affects how a child learns, focuses, organises, and interacts with others.
If you’re not tailoring your teaching to support kids with ADHD, you’re likely missing opportunities for them to thrive—and for your whole class to flourish.
Why It Matters
ADHD is common. Around 1 in 20 children in New Zealand live with ADHD, though many more may go undiagnosed. Without understanding how ADHD affects learning and behaviour, teachers can unintentionally contribute to a cycle of frustration, low self-esteem, and poor academic outcomes for these students.
But here’s the good news: with the right strategies, you can make a huge difference.
A Few Practical Pointers (Teaser Tips!)
Here are just a few simple but powerful ways you can adjust your approach:
✅ Break big tasks into small steps – Students with ADHD often struggle with executive functioning. Clear, bite-sized instructions help reduce overwhelm.
✅ Use movement wisely – Let students move! Build in brain breaks, allow fidget tools, or set up standing desks if possible.
✅ Keep things visual – Visual timers, schedules, and checklists support focus and independence.
✅ Create a calm, predictable environment – ADHD brains thrive on structure. Keep routines clear and consistent.
✅ Avoid public shaming or punishment – What may look like defiance is often a sign of struggle. Stay calm, connect first, and re-direct when needed.
These tips only scratch the surface. Whether you’re teaching five-year-olds or fifteen-year-olds, you can learn practical, doable strategies that really work.
Dive Deeper: Support That Makes a Difference
We’ve created two teacher-friendly guides packed with real-world strategies, visuals, templates, and examples tailored to your setting:
📘 For early childhood educators:
Supporting Children with ADHD at Kindergartens
Simple strategies and play-based tools designed for kindy teachers, ECEs, and early learning staff.
📗 For primary and secondary teachers:
Teaching Students with ADHD
Practical approaches, planning templates, and behaviour support ideas you can start using tomorrow.
The Bottom Line
ADHD isn’t a barrier to learning—it’s a difference in how learning happens. When you adjust your teaching to suit kids with ADHD, you’re not just helping them succeed—you’re becoming a stronger, more responsive educator for all your students.
🟢 Explore the full resources here:
➡️ Early Childhood ADHD Guide
➡️ Primary & Secondary ADHD Guide
If you are in the USA, we have a book for you on Amazon: “Supporting Students with ADHD: A Practical Guide for US Elementary and Secondary Teachers“