Teaching Reading to a Child with ADD or ADHD

Reading is fundamental. A few years ago, that was a popular slogan across the USA. It is more than a trite phrase; reading is a fundamental skill that must be mastered in order to succeed in other subjects. Science, history, geography, language and even math become difficult to understand when a student has problems reading. Extend the reading problem into adult years, and it affects the ability to fill out forms, communicate with co-workers and follow directions. A person diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder faces many challenges with reading. Because of the shortened attention span, the beginning reader with ADD finds it hard to focus on the written word long enough to decode it figure out the meaning. Reading comprehension is hampered by the inability to stay "on task" for a considerable amount of time. Here are some strategies that can help those working with ADD or ADHD students become successful readers.

Read aloud.

Oral reading engages another level of activity to help the reader focus on what is being read. Students with ADD and ADHD struggle with silent reading, but they are less apt to be distracted when they are listening to themselves read. Not only is the sense of sight being used, but also the sense of hearing is involved to help keep focus.

Read along with a CD.

Hearing someone else read the material helps the reader's fluency. The reader does not have to stop and stumble over unknown words. He can keep moving along with the reader and practice reading at a speed more suitable for comprehension. It is helpful to use a piece of paper or bookmark under the line being read so the eyes do not jump too many lines ahead. The ADD or ADHD student feels overwhelmed when he sees the whole page of print at one time. It helps to break it down into one line at a time and make reading more manageable.

Use technology.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of reading resources on the internet. Use a search engine, such as Google, or Yahoo to find games or reading activities geared to the student's grade level or age. It is amazing how just calling a lesson "a game" can change the whole mindset of the student!

Stop and think.

Read small sections at a time. Then, stop and ask questions. Who are the characters in this story? Do you like them? What are they like? How do you know? This strategy helps the student stayed focused on the storyline and gives him specific things to look for while continuing to read.

Act it out.

When possible, act out the story. This may be easier with The Three Little Pigs than with a chapter in the history text. But, if you can figure out a way to incorporate movement, the ADD or ADHD student will be using yet one more of his sensory channels to connect with what is being read.

ADD and ADHD definitely present challenges in the area of reading. But, it is worth working a little harder to gain success because reading really is fundamental.

Sources:

http://en.allexperts.com/q/Attention-Deficit-Disorder-1526/2009/2/Reading-Comprehension-Problems.htm

http://www.adderworld.com/blog1/2007/12/24/add-adhd-reading-problems-and-solutions-with-tips/