ADHD In the Classroom

Learning goal: We are learning to increase our awareness of the resources available to support students with ADHD and their families through the Canadian ADHD Research Alliance website

Congratulations! You have just been hired as a contract teacher with the York Region District School Board. You have been given a Grade 5 class, and have been informed that you have students in your room with ADHD exceptionalities. Time to engage in some ongoing professional learning, and explore resources to support you, your students, and the families of students with ADHD.

You have 2 tasks:

1. Research the kinds of support the CADDRA provides for teachers, students, and families

2. Create a 5-10 slide Google Slides presentation to share with your coworkers

Step 1: Go to http://www.caddra.ca/

Step 2: Summarize (1-2 sentences) what the CADDRA is/does

Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and under "Public Info", click on "Educators"

Step 4: Answer the following questions:

• To diagnose ADHD we look at three symptoms: _____________, ______________ and ______________.
• TRUE or FALSE - These three symptoms must be at a level that causes significant impairment for the child for the disorder to be diagnosed.
• Which subtype is diagnosed most often? 
  • primarily hyperactive-impulsive subtype
  • primarily inattentive subtype
  • combined subtype
• What three assessments should be recommended, if a teacher suspects a student as ADHD?

Step 5: At the bottom of the page, click on "Information for Educators (CADDAC):  http://www.caddac.ca/cms/page.php?50"

Step 6: Answer these questions:

• list four symptoms of ADHD that you might notice in the classroom 
• Explain how ABC or Behaviour Tracking Charts can be an effective strategy for students with ADHD 
• In terms of medication for ADHD, explain what is meant by "Pills don't teach skills" 

Step 7: Go back to the "Information for Educators" page (https://www.caddra.ca/public-information/educators/), scroll to the bottom, and click on one of the two ACCOMMODATIONS links.

Step 8: Create a list of 10-15 strategies that teachers could put into place in the classroom, to support students with ADHD.

Step 9: Scroll to the bottom of the page. Under the "Public Info" heading, click "Parents".

Step 10: Read the section titled, "How do we diagnose ADHD?" 

Step 11: Create a paragraph explaining how rating scales are used as a tool in the diagnosis of ADHD. *Remember, we do not diagnosis ADHD as teachers, but can suggest parents speak to their doctor about the possibility of an ADHD diagnosis, based on signs you've seen in the classroom.  

Step 12: Scroll to the bottom of the page. Under the "Public Info" heading, click "Children".

Step 13: Read the section titled, "What about school". 

Step 14: Create a list of things you can say to a student, to help him/her understand how an ADHD diagnosis might come into play in the classroom. 

Step 15: Consolidate your information and create a 5-10 slide Google Slides presentation for other teachers, highlighting the learning from this webquest. 

Congratulations on completing the ADHD in the Classroom webquest. To reflect on your learning, complete your choice of either:

• 3-2-1 reflection (three things you learned, two questions you have, one thing you can immediately put into practice)

                              OR

• 2 Stars and a Wish (two strategies or pieces of information you can put into practice, one question you still have or resource you would like access to )