3) Reward children with praise, such as a smile, a pat on the back, a “thumbs up”. Give them the opportunity to feel good about their behaviors, just because it feels good, rather than for a prize.
4) Make sure your motivational games and ideas include the opportunity for all of your students to succeed.
5) Always praise the student’s behavior, rather than their character. For example, be specific about your praise; let a child know that you think it is wonderful they completed their homework rather than letting them know they are “good.”
6) Plan motivational games and ideas on effort, rather than outcome. If you reward for outcome, only certain children may succeed. Make sure all of your students win when they make the effort.
7) Make sure all students understand the rules of the game or what is expected of them before beginning. Be clear and concise when creating a program.
8) Reward improvement, not completion. If one student continually forgets to complete their homework, reward with praise each time they do complete homework. If at the beginning of the semester they are completing homework once a week and at the end they are completing homework 3 times a week, praise the improvement, rather than focusing on the days they do not complete their homework.
9) Give construction criticism in between positive statements. For example, if you want to provide feedback on a writing project, first let the student know something they have completed correctly, then provide where corrections can be made and finish with a compliment on their effort or their work. The student will feel better about what you have said and feel that you appreciate their work rather than criticizing it.
10) Enjoy your students
You might also be interested in:
Study Skills for High School Students with ADHD
12 Things High School Students with ADHD Want Teachers to Know
