How to Form Routines

Students with ADHD tend to struggle in school due to a variety of factors including but not limited to their lack of Executive Functioning skills. The ability to stay organized, plan ahead, and manage their time effectively can become overwhelming which can impact behavior and performance.  As educators, it is beneficial to have tools that can be used within the classroom to ease anxiety and motivate students to be successful. Let’s take a look at some useful tips!

Forming structured routines within the classroom can establish reliable expectations for students which can support remaining on task and focused. Examples can include writing the homework assignment in the same spot on the board every day and working with the student to ensure important items and tasks are written in their planner. This will provide consistency and relatability which can ease confusion and stress which often impact the ability for a student to identify what needs to be done.

Disorganization is another area of executive functioning that has a significant impact on a student's success. When a student is in a rush and unable to get situated or organized prior to a transition throughout the day, they start the next phase of their day already in a state of stress, confusion, and at times, frustration. This disorganization can have a ripple effect and carry over into the students home life and responsibilities. Allowing students an extra five minutes at the end of class to put their items away in the proper place will allow for organization throughout the day. Therefore, when they sit down at home to start on their homework, they know exactly where everything is, rather than spending time searching for their assignments and can start on their homework. 

Being clear and concise about the expectations of an assignment can help to minimize misunderstandings. When assignments have a grey area, confusion tends to happen which can result in incomplete work or lack of focus. In an effort to reduce this, make assignments clear and check back to see if the student understands what is being asked. Work to keep assignments short and straight forward, not long, repetitive, and abstract, which will have the potential to increase focus.  

Lastly, positive reinforcement is the key to motivating students. If the student makes the effort to complete a task from start to finish, even if there is difficulty along the way, a positive statement can go a long way. Empowering our students to be successful is half the battle. Just like adults receive a paycheck for their hard work, students need some form of incentive as well. Sometimes using small incentives to form routines can help with positive feedback.

11 Ways to Help Students Relieve Stress During COVID-19

Here are 11 ways to relieve stress during this time:

1. Establish Routines 

Begin each day at the same time. For consistency, have your student wake up at 8:00 each morning, get dressed and have breakfast. This should feel like a relaxed environment to set the tone. Have a plan for how the day will look regarding school work and free time. The most crucial part of a student’s routine is their sleep. Stick to normal bedtime routines.

2. Food for the Brain

What we put inside of our bodies plays a crucial role in how we fuel our brain. Some great food to fuel our brains are fish, berries, nuts and whole grains.

3. Prioritize 

Preparing students with their biggest task of the day first will help decrease anxiety as the day progresses. 

4. Movement 

Our students are used to moving around all day, even if that means walking from one class to another. However, right now  we need to create movement for them. Such as, transitioning from one subject to another, stretching or running in place. Exercise reduces stress hormones and releases endorphins. 

5. Stay Present 

It is easy while being home to allow our minds to drift. Try some breathing and grounding exercises to help remain focused. 

6. Don’t Forget about Breaks

Make sure when you are creating your schedule you set your timer and take breaks.

7. Find ways to Disconnect

It is so easy to get lost on our phones either surfing the internet or talking to friends. However, it is important to find times to get away from the screen and interact with family. 

8. Stay Active

Social distancing is in effect but that does not mean you have to stay inside all day.  Go in your backyard, go for a run or try an in-home workout. 

9. Dedicate a Work Space

With both parents and students at home it may be difficult to get work done. Create a space that is dedicated only to work!

10. Dress for Success

Studies have shown that the way we dress affects the way our day flows. For example, if you are dressed in pajamas all day it is going to make you feel relaxed and unable to complete work. Students should wear clothing that they would wear to school to set the tone.

11. Be Intentional

With working from home, it has allowed for a lot of free time. Be intentional during this time. This means, reviewing material for difficult subjects, preparing for high school/college essays and standardized tests.