Lesson Plan
ADHD Advantage
Students will identify and apply effective study strategies, time management techniques, and organizational tools specifically designed to support individuals with ADHD, leading to improved academic performance and reduced stress.
Many students struggle with focus, time, and organization, especially those with ADHD. This lesson provides practical, actionable strategies to overcome these challenges, helping students succeed in school and feel more in control of their learning journey.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
45 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, practical activities, and a guided reading.
Materials
ADHD Advantage Slide Deck (#adhd-advantage-slide-deck), ADHD Super Tools Worksheet (#adhd-super-tools-worksheet), Time Tamer Activity Guide (#time-tamer-activity-guide), ADHD Focus Reading (#adhd-focus-reading), Cool Down: My ADHD Advantage (#my-adhd-advantage-cool-down), Pre-Test: ADHD Advantage Check-in (#adhd-advantage-pre-test), Post-Test: My ADHD Advantage Mastery (#adhd-advantage-post-test), Pencils/Pens, and Whiteboard or projector
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the ADHD Advantage Lesson Plan and all linked materials: ADHD Advantage Slide Deck, ADHD Super Tools Worksheet, Time Tamer Activity Guide, ADHD Focus Reading, Cool Down: My ADHD Advantage, Pre-Test: ADHD Advantage Check-in, and Post-Test: My ADHD Advantage Mastery.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the ADHD Super Tools Worksheet, ADHD Focus Reading, Pre-Test: ADHD Advantage Check-in, Post-Test: My ADHD Advantage Mastery for each student.
- Gather pencils/pens.
Step 1
Introduction & Hook
5 minutes
- Begin by administering the Pre-Test: ADHD Advantage Check-in (approx. 3-4 minutes).
- Begin by asking students to share (if comfortable) one challenge they face with schoolwork (e.g., forgetting assignments, feeling overwhelmed by tasks).
- Introduce the lesson: "Today, we're going to unlock some amazing 'superpowers' to help manage these challenges, especially for those of us who think a little differently, like with ADHD. We'll explore tools for studying, managing time, and staying organized!"
- Display ADHD Advantage Slide Deck - Slide 1-2.
Step 2
Understanding ADHD & Strengths
5 minutes
- Use ADHD Advantage Slide Deck - Slide 3 to briefly discuss what ADHD is and isn't, focusing on strengths.
- Facilitate a brief discussion using prompts: "What are some positive traits associated with ADHD?" (e.g., creativity, energy, hyperfocus).
Step 3
Study Superpowers: Reading & Note-Taking
10 minutes
- Introduce the concept of "Study Superpowers" using ADHD Advantage Slide Deck - Slides 4-5.
- Distribute the ADHD Focus Reading and guide students to read the first two sections (The Power of Movement, Breaking It Down: Chunking) individually or in pairs. Encourage them to use active reading strategies like highlighting or annotating on their copy.
- Facilitate a brief discussion: "What was one strategy for reading that stood out to you?"
- Introduce different note-taking methods (e.g., bullet points, keywords, simple doodles) and have students briefly try one on a piece of scratch paper, perhaps summarizing the reading sections.
Step 4
Discussion: Time Management Tips
5 minutes
- Display ADHD Advantage Slide Deck - Slide 6: Time Management.
- Lead a discussion using questions like: "What are some common struggles with time?" and "What strategies have you tried?"
- Introduce the 'Time Tamer' concept from Time Tamer Activity Guide.
Step 5
Activity: Time Tamer Planning
10 minutes
- Distribute the ADHD Super Tools Worksheet and guide students to the 'Time Tamer' section.
- Explain the activity: students will use a provided scenario or their own upcoming task to practice breaking it down and scheduling.
- Circulate and provide individual support as students work through their planning.
Step 6
Organization Tools & Cool Down
5 minutes
- Display ADHD Advantage Slide Deck - Slide 7: Organization Station.
- Briefly discuss practical organization tips (e.g., 'A spot for everything, and everything in its spot,' digital vs. physical tools).
- Distribute the Cool Down: My ADHD Advantage. Ask students to reflect on one new strategy they will try. Collect these at the end of class.
- Administer the Post-Test: My ADHD Advantage Mastery.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
ADHD Advantage: Unlock Your Superpowers
Welcome to a journey of discovery! Today, we'll learn amazing tools to help you rock school and life.
Think about it: What's one thing that makes schoolwork tricky sometimes?
Welcome students and set a positive, empowering tone. Acknowledge common struggles without judgment.
Our Mission Today:
Discover tools for:
- Studying Smarter: Making learning stick!
- Time Taming: Conquering deadlines!
- Organization Mastery: Finding everything you need!
Briefly introduce the goals of the session. Emphasize that ADHD is a different way of thinking, not a deficit.
ADHD: Your Brain, Your Strengths!
ADHD stands for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
It means your brain works a little differently!
Think of it as superpowers like:
- Creativity
- Energy
- Hyperfocus (when you're really into something!)
- Resilience
It does NOT mean:
- You're not smart
- You're lazy
Let's discuss: What positive traits do you think are linked to ADHD?
Provide a quick overview of ADHD, focusing on strengths. Open a brief discussion about positive aspects. Avoid dwelling on negatives.
Study Superpowers: Reading
Reading can be tough with a busy brain!
Try these strategies:
- Active Reading: Don't just read words, talk to the text!
- Chunking: Break long readings into smaller, manageable parts.
- Highlight & Annotate: Mark key ideas, ask questions in the margins.
- Read Aloud: Sometimes hearing it helps it stick.
- Movement Breaks: Stand up, stretch, then get back to it.
We'll practice this with our ADHD Focus Reading!
Introduce effective reading strategies. Mention the importance of active reading. This slide ties into the reading material.
Study Superpowers: Note-Taking
How do you remember what you learn?
Make your notes work for YOU:
- Bullet Points & Short Phrases: Ditch long sentences.
- Colors & Doodles: Engage your visual brain!
- Mind Maps: Connect ideas visually.
- Keywords: Write down the most important words.
- Review & Rephrase: Look over notes soon after class and put them in your own words.
Explain note-taking strategies. Emphasize visual and active methods.
Time Tamer: Conquering Deadlines!
Do deadlines sneak up on you? Feel like there's never enough time?
Let's become Time Tamers!
Key strategies:
- Break it Down: Big tasks into tiny steps.
- Visualize Your Time: Use calendars or planners.
- The Pomodoro Technique: Work, break, repeat!
- Prioritize: What's most important right now?
We'll try the 'Time Tamer' strategy on our ADHD Super Tools Worksheet!
Transition to time management. Ask students about their struggles and what they've tried. Introduce the 'Time Tamer' concept.
Organization Station: Everything in its Place!
Lost papers? Messy backpack? Can't find that one thing?
Time to get organized!
Simple tips:
- Designated Spots: A home for everything.
- Declutter Regularly: A quick clear-out once a week.
- Digital Tools: Use apps for reminders and notes.
- Color-Coding: Binders, folders, notes – make it fun and easy to find!
Quick share: What's one organization tip you use, or want to try?
Let's get ready to wrap up with our Cool Down: My ADHD Advantage!
Conclude with organization tips. Ask for student ideas. Introduce the cool-down activity.
Worksheet
ADHD Super Tools Worksheet
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Part 1: Study Superpowers - Active Reading Practice
Read the provided ADHD Focus Reading. As you read, try out some of the active reading strategies we discussed (highlight, annotate, chunk). Then, answer the questions below.
-
What was one new piece of information you learned from the reading?
-
Choose one paragraph from the reading. In your own words, summarize its main idea in 1-2 sentences.
-
What is one question you still have after reading? (Or, if you don't have a question, what is one connection you made to your own life?)
Part 2: Time Tamer - Breaking Down Big Tasks
Think about a big assignment or project you have coming up in school (or even a personal goal, like cleaning your room!). Use the "Time Tamer" strategy to break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
My Big Task: _________________________________________________________________
| Step Number | Small, Actionable Step | Estimated Time | Deadline for this Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | |||
| 2 | |||
| 3 | |||
| 4 | |||
| 5 |
Add more rows if needed!
Reflection: How does breaking down this task make you feel compared to thinking about it as one big thing?
Part 3: Organization Station - My Toolkit
Look around your backpack, locker, or study space (even if just in your mind!). What is one area that could use some organization? Describe it, then brainstorm 2-3 specific actions you can take to organize it.
Area to Organize: ____________________________________________________________
Actions I can take:
Activity
Time Tamer Activity Guide: Conquer Your Tasks!
Sometimes a big assignment or project can feel overwhelming, like a giant mountain to climb! The "Time Tamer" strategy helps you break that mountain into smaller, manageable steps, making it easier to start and finish.
How to Be a Time Tamer:
-
Identify Your "Mountain" (Big Task): What's the one big thing you need to do? (e.g., Write a history essay, study for a science test, clean your entire room, finish a book report).
-
Break it Down into "Hills" (Small Steps): Think about all the individual actions you need to take. Be super specific!
- Instead of "Study for test," think: "Review Chapter 1 notes," "Make flashcards for Chapter 2," "Do practice problems."
- Instead of "Write essay," think: "Brainstorm ideas," "Create outline," "Write introduction paragraph," "Write body paragraph 1."
-
Estimate Time: How long do you realistically think each small step will take? (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 1 hour).
-
Set Mini-Deadlines: Give yourself a target date or time to complete each small step. This keeps you on track!
-
Gather Your Tools: What do you need for each step? (e.g., textbook, notes, computer, quiet space).
Example:
My Big Task: History Essay (due Friday)
| Step Number | Small, Actionable Step | Estimated Time | Deadline for this Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Choose a topic | 15 minutes | Monday morning |
| 2 | Research 3 key facts | 30 minutes | Monday afternoon |
| 3 | Create an outline | 45 minutes | Tuesday morning |
| 4 | Write the introduction | 20 minutes | Tuesday afternoon |
| 5 | Write body paragraph 1 | 30 minutes | Wednesday morning |
| 6 | Write body paragraph 2 | 30 minutes | Wednesday afternoon |
| 7 | Write conclusion | 20 minutes | Thursday morning |
| 8 | Proofread and edit | 30 minutes | Thursday afternoon |
Now, use the "Time Tamer" section on your ADHD Super Tools Worksheet to break down one of your big tasks. Remember, small steps lead to big successes!
Reading
Focus Up! How Your Amazing ADHD Brain Learns Best
Having ADHD means your brain has its own unique way of working, especially when it comes to focusing and learning. It's like having a super-fast, creative brain that sometimes has trouble deciding what to pay attention to! But guess what? Knowing how your brain works means you can use special tools and strategies to help it focus and succeed.
The Power of Movement
Sitting still for a long time can be super hard when you have ADHD. Your brain thrives on movement! Instead of fighting it, use it to your advantage. Try taking short breaks to stretch, walk around, or even just fidget with something quiet. Some students find that having a stress ball or a fidget toy helps them listen better in class because it gives their body something to do while their brain focuses on the teacher.
Breaking It Down: Chunking
Think about eating a giant pizza. Would you try to eat it all in one bite? Of course not! You cut it into slices. Learning is the same! Big tasks, long readings, or complicated assignments can feel overwhelming. This is where chunking comes in. Break down a long reading into smaller paragraphs or sections. Break down a big project into tiny steps. Your brain finds it much easier to tackle small "chunks" of information one at a time.
Making It Active: Engage Your Brain!
Simply reading words on a page can feel like your brain is tuning out. To really make information stick, you need to make learning active. This means getting your brain involved! Here are some ideas:
- Highlight and Annotate: Don't just underline! Write notes, questions, or your own thoughts in the margins. Talk back to the text!
- Read Aloud: Sometimes, hearing the words helps them sink in better.
- Draw or Doodle: If a concept is tricky, try drawing a picture or a diagram to explain it to yourself. Visuals can be powerful!
- Teach Someone Else: Explain what you just learned to a parent, a friend, or even a pet! When you have to teach it, you really have to understand it.
The Magic of Organization
If your desk or backpack is a jumble, finding what you need can take precious time and energy. Organization helps your brain stay calm because it knows where everything is. Try creating a "home" for every item. Use folders for different subjects, a tray for papers that need to be dealt with, and a specific spot for your pencils and pens. Color-coding can also be a huge help! Using a blue folder for math, a red for history, etc., makes it easy for your brain to quickly grab what it needs.
Remember, your ADHD brain is powerful and creative. By learning and using these tools, you're not trying to change who you are, you're simply giving your amazing brain the support it needs to shine even brighter!
Cool Down
Cool Down: My ADHD Advantage
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Great job today! We've talked about a lot of different strategies for studying, managing time, and staying organized. It's not about changing who you are, but about finding tools that help your amazing brain work even better.
Take a moment to reflect on what we learned.
My ADHD Advantage:
-
Thinking back on today's lesson, what is ONE specific strategy or tool you learned that you want to try applying this week? (It could be about reading, notes, time management, or organization!)
-
How do you think this strategy might help you with your schoolwork or daily tasks?