The goal of behavior management strategies is to help students learn to manage their own
behavior. The following strategies are most effective when used in conjunction with evidence based instructional strategies.


Prevention Strategies
Here are some preventive measures that support students in demonstrating positive
behavior.


Nonverbal Supports: Together with the student, develop inconspicuous,
nonverbal messages such as eye contact, hand gestures, or other signals that teach
students to recognize the conditions that trigger specific behaviors. Once the

The culture of the classroom can either support or create barriers to student success (Piffner,
2011).

Factors that foster attention, positive behavior, and academic and social success include
establishing positive relationships with students, adopting classroom management techniques,
and creating a physical arrangement that facilitates learning.

It is often a positive relationship with one teacher that facilitates school success for a student
with ADHD (Piffner, 2011).

When teachers connect with students and appreciate their unique skills and interests, students are more likely to strive for achievement and positively respond to classroom rules and procedures.


When using a proactive approach to classroom management, teachers support all students and
create conditions that prepare them for learning (Piffner, 2011).

Some strategies for positive management include clear directions, meaningful feedback, and opportunities for collaboration with peers. Here are some others.

Opportunities to Respond
Students with ADHD often have the most trouble attending during drill-and-practice assignments because of the repetitive nature of the tasks. Peer-mediated approaches such as those enumerated in the next screens are particularly effective for students with ADHD in such cases, because they increase students’ opportunities for engagement and active learning (Piffner, 2011).

Is there anything you are naturally good at?

What do you wish you were better at?

What are the most useful skills you have?

What skills would you like to learn?

What are some skills that you think everyone should learn?

Do you have any unusual skills or talents?

What are some current trends you just can’t get behind?

What current trend is going to look the silliest in 10 years?

Do you usually follow trends or just do your own thing?

This one works best if you talk about what they are wearing. Maybe try complementing a piece of clothing they are wearing that you like and ask where they got it.