Scholarly record

CURRENT TRENDS IN THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH ATTENTION DEFICIT HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER FOR IMPROVING THEIR READING COMPETENCE

J. Kozarova

Abstract

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) presents challenges that affect everyday life and learning for pupils as well as their teachers and parents. Much has been written and researched when it comes to the disorder, with some conclusions resulting in great debate and controversy. Experts on ADHD offer a number of suggestions to help pupils with reading and writing. Paper presents some ways to provide pupils with secondary “fidget” activities, ones that don’t distract pupils from the task at hand but actually help them focus on a task. For example, allowing them to listen to music while reading a textbook, having students listen to a recorded version of a book while reading the text, or giving students an extra piece of paper to doodle on while working on a writing assignment. Other strategies that build focus and comprehension, like reading aloud, previewing materials, asking questions, identifying the main ideas, word games and other components of successful reading programs, are helpful at an early age. Even if ADHD pupils master the mechanics of reading, many have trouble understanding the text, making connections within the story, and relating what they’re reading to what they already know. Fortunately, reading comprehension skills and strategies can be taught. Children who learn multiple reading strategies, and are guided in their use, eventually choose some to use on their own.

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