Every student has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, but ADHD and ADD students have to overcome additional challenges. They often have extra physical and mental energy, making it harder to focus on the task at hand. This, along with a shorter attention span, can sometimes result in poor study habits, time management, and note-taking skills.
ADD and ADHD students will often thrive in a dual credit program, especially home-based programs like Dual Credit at Home, where there is plenty of opportunity for customization based on your student’s learning style, strengths, and weaknesses. These students often benefit from new adventures or challenges, while still having a defined academic structure in place.
The Dual Credit at Home program embraces different methods of study. One day your teen may be reading a textbook, another day taking a practice test, and another day doing research online. There is enough variability to keep it interesting and exciting, while still working within the structure of an academically challenging curriculum. Extra Mile Assignments are also provided to reinforce different topics each week.
The Dual Credit at Home program can be used at your teen’s pace — slowed down or accelerated based on your unique situation. Here are some more tips to help you create a positive learning environment so your ADHD or ADD student can have the most successful academic year ever.
Make a game or a challenge out of the program by giving your student incentives for success. This can be a special dinner, an allowance raise, or a gift. Incentives like these will go a long way toward motivating ADHD and ADD students.
Break work sessions into short, manageable chunks so that your teen doesn’t lose interest. During breaks, make sure she changes her environment by spending time in another room, or better yet, going outside for some fresh air and exercise.
Incorporate physical movement into study time. Your teen can use a standing desk, study on the treadmill, or listen to podcasts while walking around the neighborhood.
Help your teen strategize for good time management and study skills. This will look different for every student, but you and your child will have a good idea of what works in your family.
Avoid multitasking. Focus on one assignment or activity at a time to avoid brain overload.
Motivate and empower your teen to do things on her own. Your role as a parent hasn’t changed — it’s just shifted a little. By allowing your teen to own her education, you are giving her an opportunity to explore the challenges of college-level work in the home environment. It can be a beautiful transition toward the independence of adulthood.
Adjusting to the needs of your ADD or ADHD student is just another role of a successful parent. Dual credit programs are a great stepping stone between high school and college, and Dual Credit at Home offers the challenges, flexibility, and independence that teens crave as they transition into adulthood.
