Interview with a first schoolteacher
I interviewed a first schoolteacher who had experience with working with children with ADHD to find out how they used the effective communication skills and the training they received.
What was your prior knowledge of teaching children with ADHD?
It was very limited; I had only heard from colleagues and the media about working with them, this year was my first experience and it was a constant learning curve from the start. I did know about the condition but had no idea how this affected their school work or interactions with me and their peers. Everyday both you and the child learn something knew about how to work together.
Where you given any training or advice from your senior staff on how to communicate with the children?
I was told by the head teacher to treat them firm but use lots of encouragement when we were aware that two children with ADHD would join my class. This was useful but maybe some training from my SENCO or a workshop could have furthered my skills and prepared me for the upward battle that was to come, as it was like jumping in the deep end. You really do sink or swim in these situations.
If I were a trainee teacher, what advice would you give me?
To keep them on task at all times and make sure you have their attention, just simply talking to them keeps them focused. I know it sounds mean, but if their focus wonders they can cause havoc for the whole class and it’s just not acceptable or practical to let this happen. Patience is vital in this job, especially working with children with ADHD. You have to constantly repeat yourself, not get mad when they throw paint by accident or forget their homework for the 8th time that week.
What skills have your learnt through your own experiences in relation to communication?
I learnt too be more patient, talk calmly and not to raise your voice no matter how hard it gets as it always pays off. I remember when I first met Kyle he used to bark when he was angry. This was very frustrating for me and his peers – especially at quiet time. By being patient I was able to get him to stop as he ignored me the first few times. Talking calmly really helped him slowed down mentally and physically.
What have you found more effective, verbal or non-verbal communication?
Verbal because it engages them in what your saying, whereas non-verbal can be interpreted differently between children and where one child might think your telling them to be quiet with eye contact, another may think your telling them off. Non-verbal communication can be effective if not more than, as it does not single the children out, but you really do need to pre-arrange the signs or signals and make sure they understand.
What barriers can ADHD cause?
Well it really matters on the child at hand. One may be more inattentive and that causes problems with communication and schoolwork. Where as another child might only be hyperactive and that causes him to loose friends and get aggressive. I guess the most ‘standard’ barrier would be communication. All of the children I’ve come across with ADHD lack social skills and don’t understand the concept of social cues. This makes it really hard to have a conversation that flows properly.
