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7 Essential Tips to help your ADHD child focus in School 

Kids with ADHD often struggle to focus because their brains have difficulty regulating attention and impulse control, making it hard to stay on task. Here are 7 tips to help your child.
Child with ADHD exhibiting hyperactive behaviour.

Helping a child with ADHD focus in school can be challenging, but with the right ADHD focus strategies, it becomes manageable. Implementing effective ADHD school tips, managing ADHD in the classroom, and using ADHD study techniques are essential. 

Furthermore, managing behaviour related to ADHD and offering learning help are essential. This article will look at practical approaches to improve ADHD and educational outcomes, ensuring that your child flourishes academically.

Tip 1: Create a structured routine 

Mother arranging a study table and making the place comfortable and fun for her child to study.

A structured routine is crucial for children with ADHD as it helps them understand what to expect throughout the day, reducing anxiety and improving focus. 

Establishing a consistent daily schedule that includes specific times for homework, play, meals, and relaxation can provide the predictability that children with ADHD need.

You can read our other article to learn how to assist your child manage their time more successfully.

Tip 2: Use visual aids to help your ADHD child focus

Child setting up their Google Calendar to organize tasks.

To enhance the effectiveness of the routine, use visual schedules and checklists. Visual aids such as charts and diagrams can help children grasp and remember information better. 

For instance, a morning checklist with tasks like brushing teeth, getting dressed, and packing a school bag can ensure that your child starts the day on the right foot.

To visually organize activities, use huge wall calendars and colour-coded materials. 

Children may find it simpler to comprehend their daily schedule if different activities are coloured differently—for example, playtime is coloured green, homework is coloured blue. 

Create a daily routine that allotts particular hours for recreation, leisure, and homework. Make use of a sizable wall calendar with coloured markers to mark down specific tasks. 

A morning to-do list would consist of:

  • Brush teeth (Blue)
  • Get dressed (Green)
  • Pack school bag (Yellow)

This structured approach not only helps children stay on track but also builds a sense of responsibility and independence.

See how our program has helped dyslexic children with ADHD study independently at his own pace.

If you also want your child to develop independent study skills and overcome challenges like ADHD and dyslexia, contact us today to learn how our program can help!

Tip 3: Incorporate movement breaks and technology 

Father and son exercising together at home to improve focus.

Children with ADHD often struggle to sit still for extended periods. 

Allow short, frequent breaks for physical activity to help them release pent-up energy and return to tasks with better focus. 

In order to meet students’ desire for stimulation, educational games and interactive learning platforms can help make the learning process more manageable and enjoyable. 

One way to establish a suitable study atmosphere is to use applications that offer background music that is specifically meant to boost attention. 

Using technological tools made specifically for managing ADHD can also be quite helpful. 

While timers can help kids manage their time well, organizing applications can help kids stay on top of their assignments and due dates. 

It can be beneficial to set a timer for 25 minutes of study time, followed by a 5-minute break for activity, to assist students stay focused and productive. 

Stretching, jumping jacks, or a brief dance session might be used as these movement breaks to help them relax and reenergize.

These tools can transform potentially overwhelming tasks into enjoyable and structured activities, promoting better focus and learning outcomes.

To improve your child’s concentration and focus, check out our other article with fun activities to help your child stay engaged and motivated!

Tip 4: Implement reward systems and break tasks into smaller steps 

Girl doing her everyday task of washing her clothes on her own to build independence and responsibility.

In order to help children with ADHD behave in the expected ways, positive reinforcement is a very effective strategy. 

Implementing a reward system can help your child accomplish activities and create beneficial habits. 

Rewards can range from verbal praise and stickers to extra playtime or a special treat. 

Consistent recognition and rewards for their efforts can boost their self-esteem and reinforce good behaviour.

Making a chart where your youngster receives a sticker for each chore finished is a useful strategy. 

Once they collect a certain number of stickers, they can choose a reward, such as a favourite activity, a small toy, or a special outing. 

This system not only provides immediate gratification but also teaches them the value of working towards long-term goals.

In addition to rewards, breaking large tasks into smaller, manageable steps can significantly help your child stay focused and achieve success incrementally. 

Assign them minor chores like tidying the desk, making the bed, and gathering toys rather than expecting them to clean their room.

For more tips on enhancing your child’s learning and academic success, check out our other article.

Tip 5: Collaborate with teachers 

Teacher helping out and giving personalised attention to a schoolgirl as per her needs.

Strong communication with your child’s teachers is essential for managing ADHD effectively. Schedule regular meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and progress.

 Share successful strategies you use at home, such as using visual schedules or breaking tasks into smaller steps, and explore how these can be adapted in the classroom. 

For example, if your child focuses better with short breaks, suggest incorporating “brain breaks” during lessons. 

Teachers can also provide valuable insights, such as noticing triggers for distraction or recognizing improvement in focus. 

A collaborative approach ensures consistency between home and school, creating a supportive environment where your child can thrive both academically and emotionally.

Check out our team of dedicated study skills mentors, who have helped children in our program develop essential study skills for confident, independent learning!

Tip 6: Focus on diet, sleep and physical activity 

Child peacefully sleeping on time, following a consistent bedtime routine for better rest and focus.

Managing ADHD isn’t just about focus; it’s also about supporting the body with healthy habits.

Ensure your child gets enough sleep by setting a consistent bedtime routine, like reading a calming book or taking a warm bath before bed. 

Aim for 9–11 hours of sleep to help regulate energy and mood. A balanced diet plays a crucial role, so provide meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

For example, replace sugary snacks with apple slices and peanut butter or whole-grain crackers with cheese. 

Regular physical activity, such as playing soccer, dancing, or cycling, can help burn off excess energy and improve concentration. 

These simple lifestyle adjustments can significantly enhance your child’s ability to stay focused and calm.

Discover more tips to help your child become an independent learner and develop strong self-revision habits by reading our other article!

Tip 7: Teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Child squeezing a stress ball to release tension and improve focus during study time.

Mindfulness and relaxation exercises can help children with ADHD manage stress, stay calm, and improve their ability to focus. 

Simple breathing exercises, such as “balloon breathing,” where the child imagines inflating a balloon with deep breaths, can calm the mind and reduce impulsivity. 

Incorporate short meditation sessions using child-friendly apps like Headspace for Kids or Calm.

Progressive muscle relaxation is another effective technique—ask your child to tense and relax different muscle groups, starting from their toes and moving up to their head. 

For example, squeezing a stress ball or clenching fists tightly and releasing them helps release tension. 

Practicing these techniques regularly can help your child develop self-regulation skills, improving both classroom behavior and overall emotional well-being.

If you found this article helpful, share it with other parents and educators who might benefit from these tips!

Also, check out our other article on how to help your ADHD child with learning difficulties.

Give your child the tools to take control of their education with our Diamond Study Skills program! Help them build strong study habits, boost their confidence, and achieve academic success — all without the need for additional tuition.

Join the growing number of families empowering their children to become self-sufficient learners and set the foundation for lasting educational achievement!

Support your child in reaching their full potential—book a session today and set them on the road to success!

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Resources

The latest resources direct from First Principles Education.

The latest resources direct
from First Principles Education.