How to control the hyperactive child
5 Great Ways to Help Hyperactive Kids Learn
Do hyperactive kids drive you a little crazy in the classroom? Most teachers would say yes. Hyperactive students are demanding, but does that mean you give up on them? Of course not!
When you approach hyperactive students the right way, it can turn into a beautiful experience of mutual motivation and respect.
Hyperactive kids simply need more attention. Most children are active by nature, but hyperactive kids are always on the move, bouncing from one activity to another. They have trouble paying attention to lessons when you use traditional teaching methods.
That’s why you need to introduce other strategies that will engage hyperactive students on their own level. The good news is that these methods make the teaching process more fun, too.
1. Teach Them How to RelaxMindfulness in schools may sound like mutually exclusive concept, but many teachers have experienced its benefits. Recent research found that mindfulness programs and techniques deliver beneficial results in the classroom. A high school from New York introduced a yoga program in 2016. The students who participated had a significantly higher GPA compared to the group of students who didn’t practice yoga.
[Free Download: 5 Mindfulness Exercises for Students with ADHD]
It’s not just about the grades. Another research study among high school students showed that yoga helped students’ control their emotions.
Mindfulness means being in the present moment, without attachment or judgment. For a hyperactive child, it means sensing the current situation in their body and mind, and making peace with it.
Mindfulness is usually achieved through meditation techniques. Meditation trains the mind to set aside distractions and be present in the current moment. If you think your students are too young or too inattentive for meditation, you can start with simple breathing and relaxation techniques.
They also lead to a focused state of mind.
- First, you have to know how to implement relaxation and breathing in a classroom. Find a good instructor in your area and take a few classes. Talk to them about teaching relaxation and breathing techniques to children. Perhaps invite them into the classroom, so they can lead a brief relaxation session.
- Combine the relaxation technique with positive visual imagery. Many athletes rely on visualization to improve their performance. Since you’re dealing with hyperactive students, tell them to imagine a calming scene, such as a garden, beach, or a quiet forest.
Hyperactive students learn best when they are engaged in the process. You cannot expect them to sit calmly at their desk, listen to the lecture, and take a test. That’s too challenging for them. Doing is always better than listening, so you can transform their doing into a learning activity.
- Have them to draw illustrations for a book that’s part of the curriculum. That’s a good way to teach essay writing and storytelling.
- Speaking of essays, connect your students with professional writers who can provide step-by-step guidance that engages them in the process of writing.
- Teachers often advise parents to practice hands-on learning with their children. Why not take your own advice? Instead of teaching science in the classroom, find science outside the classroom walls now and then. Taking your class to the park may test your patience, but if you organize the field trip well, you can get your students learning while they explore.
[How Project-Based Instruction Can Ignite Your Child’s Love for Learning]
3. Allow Them to MoveHyperactive children, by definition, have trouble staying put. It is torture for them stay at their desk too long. These students are kinesthetic learners. That’s not a bad thing.
It’s an opportunity for you to introduce fresh methods into your educational routines that address that learning style.
- When teaching a history lesson, turn it into an acting project. Each student gets a role, and they act out scenes from the lesson. You can be the narrator, introducing dates and facts into the drama. It will be much easier for them to remember the information when they learn it through active play.
- When you want to ask something, gently toss a ball to the student instead of addressing him or her by name. It’s a simple activity that adds fun to discussions.
- After half an hour of sitting at their desks, reward your students by inviting them to stand up, stretch, and engage in a one-minute dance break.
Hyperactive children want and need to move around. Channel that need into a useful activity. Cleaning, to be precise.
Encourage your students to be responsible for cleaning the classroom.
Teach them that it’s normal part of the school day.
Say: “Hey, let’s clean the classroom together!” Make it a call to action. You can divide them into groups: one group will clean the desks, the other group will collect garbage from the floor, and the third group will organize classroom items. Rotate the groups throughout the month, so everyone will get to do everything.
These simple chores give your kids a sense of responsibility, and it will burn up some excess energy in the process. The end result? The students will be calmer for the rest of the day.
5. Create Your Own Reward SystemYou can’t expect all your students to be motivated and exhibit a desire to learn whatever you throw at them. However, you can encourage and persuade your students to want to learn.
- Jump-start their motivation by offering tangible rewards. Give away diplomas, stickers, or healthy treats as the prize. Tangible rewards deliver immediate results, and they give the students something to focus on.
- However, don’t get them too used to earning prizes for doing schoolwork. Genuine positive feedback is also nice. When hyperactive students behave well, even if it’s just for a single class, praise them for the achievement.
Whichever method you decide to use, remember: Hyperactive kids are just kids. They cannot be serious and follow instructions all the time. The first step toward solving the problem is simple: The teacher should stop being too serious. With fun teaching techniques, you can lead hyperactive students to focus all that energy in the right direction.
[Download: How to Use Project Based Learning in Your Classroom]
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10 Tips For Coping With A Hyperactive Child
Fact-Checked
Step-by-step instructions and lists can help you and your child to stay organized and focused.
ShutterstockCoping with a hyperactive child can be tough. A hyperactive child can seem unstable, bouncing from activity to activity with seemingly limitless energy. He or she may appear to have difficulty listening or following directions. He may perform poorly in school, getting less than acceptable grades and demonstrating behavioral problems. While there is no right answer to handling a hyperactive child, following a few tips can make coping with a hyperactive child a bit easier to bear.Establish Order
Many parents prefer to maintain a loose and relaxed household without an overabundance of rules. This laid back parenting style works well for many children. Hyperactive children, however, tend to have trouble in unclear environments. If you are coping with a hyperactive child, keep the household running in a clear and ordered manner. In this way, the child will know what is expected of him from day to day.Choose your Battles
It is important that you decide which issues are worth fighting.
A hyperactive child is not a “bad kid.” Hyperactivity is caused by a psychological disorder known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is a problem with brain chemistry that affects the brain’s ability to pass information between brain cells. Therefore, it is not simply a matter of getting the child to see reason. Living within the constraints of daily life will be a struggle for him, so focus on the issues that truly matter and let other areas slide.Break Down Complex Instructions
It is difficult for a child with ADHD to follow and remember a long list of instructions. Instead, break the task down into smaller chunks.
Insist that the child look you in the eye when you are explaining things and present the information in small, easy to digest chunks. Have the child repeat back each step.Writing instructions down can also help the child to follow them. A written, step-by-step list allows a hyperactive child to focus on one small step at a time.
He or she can refer to the list to help jog his memory of what he was told and cross off steps as he completes them.Minimize Distractions
Things that most people never notice easily distract a child who suffers from ADHD. Therefore, tasks that require concentration, such as homework, should be performed in an area that provides minimal distractions. Seat the child comfortably in a location that is away from windows and doors. Allow her to move around but do not allow her to become distracted by other things.Be sure that the child understands that he is not being punished. Create a warm and inviting workspace. Tell the child that the workspace is to help her concentrate, and encourage her participation in designing a space in which she feels comfortable.Utilize Positive Reinforcement
Task completion is a huge struggle for a hyperactive child. Therefore, it is important that the child realize that the task is worth completing. Give praise and rewards whenever the child successfully completes a task.
Also, allow her to reward herself by assigning tasks that lead to a prize, such as baking cookies.
When coping with hyperactive child, do not worry that you may be “bribing” the child to participate. Positive reinforcement is a reward for getting through the struggle of task completion.Help the Child Create a To-Do List
Having a list of responsibilities of his own creation can help the child to build independence. A written list also gives the child a visual reference to use when he becomes distracted or forgets what he is supposed to do. Teach the child to refer to the list whenever he is bored or unsure what to do next.Do not punish the child for failing to complete the to-do list within a set period of time. Use positive reinforcement to reward the child for the tasks he does manage to complete. Allow the child the freedom to complete the tasks in any order rather than starting at the top and working his way down.Don’t Be Too Hasty With Medication
In today’s pill-popping world, coping with a hyperactive child may seem like just a matter of getting her onto medication.
It is true that certain medications can help to balance out the brain chemistry of those who truly need them. However, medications carry side effects and should not be the default option. If behavior modification methods do not work over a period of time, then you and your child’s doctor should work together to decide if medication is required. This should be a last resort rather than a first choice, however.
Provide Plenty of Unstructured Time
Is it merely a coincidence that the rates of hyperactivity appears to be going up at the same time that the number of schools providing a recess period goes down? Children need the chance to run around and simply play in an unstructured setting. As parents and teachers become increasingly busy, children’s schedules become more ordered than ever before. Be sure that any child, particularly one who shows signs of hyperactivity, has time to play outside every day.Advocate for Your Child
As soon as a diagnosis is made, a team of “experts” swoops in to give their opinions.
From educators to doctors to specialists, everyone thinks that he or she knows what is best for your child. While each person means well, expert opinions are often conflicting and confusing. You know your child best, which makes you an expert on that child. Use cooperation and negotiation to develop a plan that incorporates others’ expertise on the disorder and your own knowledge of what motivates your child individually.Let people who will be responsible for your child know of his disorder. Coping with hyperactive child is difficult for those who understand, but downright trying for the uninformed. Discussing the situation in advance also gives you the chance to tell the person in charge about the methods you are currently using. Consistency in the child’s environment is important, so if you are using a certain reward or means of dealing with negative behavior, let the caregiver know what you are doing.
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Become Educated
Learn as much as you can about your child’s disorder.
Read and digest any handouts or informational materials that you are given. Perform your own research as well; keeping in mind that information on the Internet is not always reliable. Stick to trustworthy sources for information. Do not allow yourself to be pushed into making decisions regarding your child’s treatment. Asking for a second and even third opinion is your right and responsibility. Ask questions to clarify points that you do not understand, and take as much time as you need to become comfortable in discussing your child’s problems. Coping with a hyperactive child presents a unique set of challenges. Following a few tips, however, can make the burden easier to bear. Help your child to focus by presenting information in easy to digest chunks and writing things down. Educate yourself about the child’s disorder and advocate for her with professionals and experts. Establish order and encourage others who interact with your child to do the same. In this way, you can maximize your child’s successes while minimizing his negative behaviors.
Always Consult Your Physician First
It is helpful to prepare yourself with health information by reading and talking to friends, but always consult your doctor before taking medical action or changing your health routine. This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. LifeScript disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. Is Your Teen Hanging Out With The Wrong Crowd?
If your teen was hanging out with the wrong crowd, how would you know? Have you noticed a change in behavior or a lack of respect for what used to be important? Bad influence from befriending the wrong people shows up in various ways and peer pressure gives teens a new attitude about life that may not be to the liking of all parents. Is your teen hanging in the wrong crowds?
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How to teach a hyperactive child to hold attention
Your child is “restless”, “interferes with others”, constantly “mistakes”, “does not obey” - how often do we hear this? Maybe it's hyperactivity. In this case, you just need to understand the child and help him. More than 30 boys and girls with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) live in the Yunona Family Education Assistance Center. Specialist Maria Baldzhirova talks about the characteristics of such children and what moments in the child's behavior may be the basis for contacting a neurologist, and also advises parents on how to calm their fidgets.
The line between character traits and diagnosis
« People constantly concentrate on some object. However, there are children whom we call "reactive", "restless", "hyperactive".
They have a neurological disorder that begins in childhood, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD. But such a diagnosis can only be made by a neurologist !” - says the teacher of additional education of the Center "Yunona" Maria Baldzhirova.
The first signs of hyperactivity are observed at the age of 3 years, more often in boys. Moreover, in them the syndrome usually manifests itself in active behavior, and in girls - in inattention. Hyperactivity is characterized by low levels of attention, memory, thinking, performance in class, as well as increased fatigue. The child is equally active at home, in kindergarten, at school, on the playground, visiting strangers. There are no situations in which he would behave calmly. This is what makes him different from an ordinary active baby.
Compared to their peers, such children are not so attentive to the feelings of other people. They are less willing to share anything with others, less likely to try to help parents, caregivers, children, and almost do not express empathy.
Therefore, they have difficulty in establishing relationships with other people.
How Attention Deficit Manifests
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder manifests itself in different ways. There are several characteristic features, for example: forgetfulness, talkativeness, absent-mindedness, impaired coordination, impatience. To this we can add situations in which the child:
- does not sit still, even if necessary;
- does not focus on details;
- does not finish what he started;
- is mistaken due to inattention;
- is easily distracted by foreign objects;
- does not listen to the words of others, interferes;
- often loses his things;
- interferes in the conversation of both elders and peers;
- does not sleep well, cannot relax, rest.
How to help your child
Children with hyperactivity do not have serious cognitive impairments - they just need more time to complete tasks.
They make more mistakes because they are trying to complete the task faster so that they can get back to their business. These kids need help.
« The best way to help children with hyperactivity is play. It allows you to control the actions and actions of the child with the help of a specific game plot, rules and roles. Many experts believe that playing with water and sand is just 9 years old for such children.0012 are needed,” notes Maria Baldzhirova .
For children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, group and individual games are suitable to help calm the child. These can be board games or games that develop concentration and help distribute attention, relieve tension and aggressiveness. The staff of the Yunona Center prepared several such games that parents can play with their children at home.
Five useful games for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Tree
Starting position - squatting.
Let the child hide his head in his knees, and clasp his knees with his hands. He is a seed that gradually sprouts and turns into a tree: the child slowly rises to his feet, then straightens his body, stretches his arms up. Then you need to tighten the muscles of the body and pull it up. The wind blew: the child swings the body, imitating a tree.
Ring
Alternately and as quickly as possible, the child goes through the fingers, connecting the index finger, middle finger, etc. into a ring with the thumb. You need to play first with each hand separately, then with both hands at once.
Ear-nose
Hold the tip of the nose with the left hand and the opposite ear with the right hand. At the same time, you need to release your ear and nose, clap your hands and change the position of your hands exactly the opposite.
The sea is rough
Children move around the room intensively, assuming various poses.
Mom or dad say:
The sea is worried - time!
The sea is rough - two!
The sea is rough - three!
Marine figure - freeze!
At the last phrase, the children freeze in one of the positions and only at the command of the parents “Otomri!” continue the game.
Resting posture
The child sits closer to the edge of the chair, leans on the back, puts his hands freely on his knees, legs slightly apart. Mom or dad slowly, in a quiet voice, with long pauses, pronounce the formula of general peace:
Everyone can dance,
Jump, run, draw,
But not everyone can do it yet
We have a game like this —
Very easy, simple,
Movement slows down,
Tension disappears...
And it becomes clear —
Relaxation is pleasant!
« The most important thing for parents is to be patient, because only systematic, regular work with a child will help him ", - teacher is convinced.
Press Service of the Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the City of Moscow
Hyperactive child what to do to parents psychologist's advice. Blog Somersault
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Hyperactive children give parents, caregivers, teachers a lot of trouble. They constantly make noise, do not obey, often conflict with their peers. Let's figure out what hyperactivity is, how it manifests itself and how to behave to parents who have discovered that their child is hyperactive.
What is hyperactivity?
Psychology and psychiatry use the term ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). This is a condition that is characterized by three distinctive features: inattention, impulsivity and excessive activity.
Some parents consider their excessively fast baby to be hyperactive, but ADHD is a neurological diagnosis , that only a doctor can make. They put it in the case when increased activity, inattention and restlessness in the baby has been observed for at least six months and at the same time interferes with normal adaptation in society. In other cases, parents mistake ordinary children's restlessness for ADHD.
What is the difference between active and hyperactive?
To avoid confusion and not to attribute non-existent disorders to a healthy child, it is necessary to understand how activity differs from hyperactivity.
A healthy toddler of preschool and primary school age should by nature be active. He runs, jumps, plays outdoor games, shows curiosity about everything, indulges. This is normal for a child.
But at the same time, an active baby does not always behave like this. Interested in a fascinating book, cartoon or puzzle, he focuses his attention on this activity.
In the presence of strangers or unfamiliar people, he behaves calmly and with restraint.
A feature of a hyperactive child is that he is equally restless in all situations - at home, on the street, in a kindergarten, at a party, etc. He cannot concentrate on any task for a long time, he is constantly distracted. His activity has no definite purpose, he simply cannot sit still. Scolding and punishing a hyperactive baby is useless, because he is unable to control his behavior.
Perseverance games from TUMBLING
Signs of hyperactivity
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be recognized by the following symptoms: telephone on the table). From a very early age, the baby has a high muscle tone, poor sleep, increased sensitivity to external stimuli (noise, light, weather conditions). As the baby matures and develops, it becomes more and more active and restless. By adolescence, the condition stabilizes somewhat, and the child becomes more calm. Games for the whole family from CUVYRKOM Hyperactive children tend to look messy and disheveled. They don't care how they look. Their belongings are often kept in disarray. Such guys usually lag behind their peers in studies, despite the fact that they have normal intelligence. They also do not adapt well in a team, conflict with others. Excessive motor activity, supplemented by natural clumsiness, often leads to injuries. ADHD manifests itself differently in all children. One child may be impulsive and inattentive, but not hyperactive. And the other may be very spoiled and noisy, but have no difficulty concentrating. To determine if a child has ADHD and, if so, what type, 9 is needed0003 examination, diagnosis 
Types of hyperactivity
There is also a mixed version - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Unfortunately, it is the most common.
A kindergarten teacher, teacher or child psychologist may note unusual behavior in a child and recommend that parents take the child to a doctor.
School preparation games from TUMBLING
Causes of hyperactivity
The exact cause of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder has not yet been established. Doctors and psychologists identify a number of factors contributing to its appearance.
- Biological . These are various problems of intrauterine development and factors that negatively affect the mother's pregnancy.
These include: fetal hypoxia, prematurity, too early or late pregnancy, the use of alcohol, drugs, and certain medications by a woman while carrying a baby. - Genetic . Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is inherited. According to statistics, 50% of children receive this disorder from their parents.
- Psychological and social factors. A child may be born healthy and develop ADHD due to an unfavorable family environment. Scandals of parents, domestic violence, alcoholism, improper upbringing often lead to the development of this syndrome.
- Environmental factors. By themselves, they do not cause ADHD, but if present, they can aggravate the condition of the baby. These factors include malnutrition, lack of vitamins and minerals. Very often in the body of hyperactive children there is a deficiency of magnesium.
Whatever the cause of this disease, it must be corrected.
A child with ADHD creates a lot of difficulties for others and for himself. Therefore, parents should not leave the problem unattended.
Is it worth treating a child with medicines?
To treat ADHD, doctors give children drugs to calm the nervous system. However, many parents are afraid to give their baby medicines, thinking that they will harm him or cause addiction. This is a common stereotype that is not true.
The doctor will not prescribe medications if they can be dispensed with. If he prescribed pills, then they are needed. Do not be afraid to give them to your baby. Modern drugs act gently and do not cause side effects. To correct hyperactivity, mild sedatives are used, as well as drugs that improve memory, attention, and increase mental performance.
Medications reduce psycho-emotional stress and help the baby become more calm, assiduous and balanced. Of course, the doctor should select the drugs. Self-medication can harm the child.
Tips for Parents on Raising a Hyperactive Child
If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, don't panic.
Children with this disorder, with proper upbringing, can learn normally and interact with others. The advice of psychologists will help you build the right approach to the baby.
- Try to restrain the child's aggressive impulses. Explain to him why fighting, pushing, pinching is not good. Say that these actions hurt and offend other people, so they should be avoided. Teach your little one to ask for forgiveness from the people he offended. He must understand that his aggressive behavior will generate reciprocal aggression, and others will treat him badly.
- Explain to caregivers, teachers that your son or daughter is a hyperactive child who needs a special approach. It is important that adults around you know about the characteristics of your baby and do not label him as “ill-mannered”, “spoiled”, “underage bully”, etc.
- Remember that your baby does not control his behavior well, so scolding and punishing him for pampering is useless.
This will only make things worse, because the child will start to behave even more impudently. - A child diagnosed with ADHD needs specialist help. Education is only half the battle. For the normal functioning of the nervous system, appropriate drugs are required - sedatives, vitamins, etc. To reduce muscle tone, the doctor may prescribe a course of relaxing massage.
- If possible, allocate a separate room for your son or daughter. Being in a common room where parents are talking, the TV is on, the baby will not be able to concentrate. In his room, he will be able to retire and calmly play, do homework, read. Wallpaper, furniture, bedding is better to choose neutral, soothing tones so that they do not distract the attention of the baby.
- Follow the regimen days. It is very important for hyperactive children to follow the rules and daily rituals. Teach your son or daughter to get up and go to bed at the same time, eat, walk on a schedule.
Make sure that the baby does not overwork, especially in the evening, because overwork leads to sleep problems. - Arrange your daily routine in such a way that active and quiet activities alternate with each other. For example, after a walk on the street, offer crumbs do something creative (drawing, modeling).
- Watch your baby's diet. Limit the consumption of sweets, avoid strong tea, coffee, cocoa, because these products activate the nervous system. The diet should be dominated by food rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements - fresh fruits and vegetables, cereals, meat and fish.
- Restrict your viewing TV and games on your computer or phone. All this excites the nervous system, making the child even more mobile and restless.
- take your baby outside more often. Fresh air and physical activity have a positive effect on the health and psyche of the child.
During a walk, he will be able to throw out excess energy and at home he will behave calmer. - Do not take your baby to noisy places with a large crowd of people. Concerts, street parties and other social events excite the nervous system. While the child is small, avoid the crowd. Well, if you have the opportunity not to use public transport.
- Play quiet games with your child more often, requiring concentration. Collect constructor, puzzles, solve puzzles with him. Play lotto, dominoes, children's board games.
- Assign your child certain household chores - clean toys, feed the cat, water the flowers. Make sure that he regularly performs the assigned work and be sure to praise him.
- Give the baby various tasks, ask for help with the housework. Tell him that his help is very important to you. The child must feel that he is needed.
- Teach your child self-organization skills .
He must be able to independently carry out hygiene procedures (wash hands, wash, brush his teeth), keep his clothes and toys in order.
- Clearly state the rules of conduct. The child must understand what can and cannot be done. Be consistent, do not deviate from these rules. Do not squeeze the child into a rigid framework, but at the same time do not allow permissiveness. Due to their inattention, the baby may forget some requirements. If this happens, do not scold him, but calmly remind him of the forgotten rule.
- Teach your little one to finish what they start, without leaving it halfway. If he doesn't feel like doing it, think about how you can motivate him.
- It is useful to enroll a preschooler and elementary school student in the sports section. Regular exercise will help the baby get rid of excess energy and make him more disciplined. However, remember that not all sports are good for hyperactive children.
Boxing, wrestling are bad options, but swimming, athletics are good. - Do not use physical punishment on a child . If he is guilty, deprive him of sweets, gadgets, meetings with friends, but do not beat him. Beating never leads to good results, and it has an extremely negative effect on hyperactive children.
- Create a calm, friendly atmosphere at home. The environment in the family has a strong influence on the child. If parents often quarrel and speak in raised tones, the baby will grow up nervous, aggressive, unbalanced. Therefore, never swear in front of a child, find out all family disagreements in his absence.
- Support son or daughter. Hyperactive children face negative attitudes from others who do not understand the peculiarities of their behavior. Therefore, the support of close and dear people is very important for such kids.
These simple recommendations will help you balance your child's condition and make him less excitable and hyperactive.
