1. Seat the child up front so that she has more of your attention and you are able to more readily redirect her to task.



2. Use a secret signal to clue the child in that she needs to focus her behavior, without embarrassing her. For example, you could touch her on the shoulder, a warm gesture that will get her attention, even if she is momentarily distracted.



3. Create frequent opportunities for the child to be up and out of her seat, such as running errands.



4. Arrange a daily brief meeting with the child to set behavioral goals for the day. Appropriate goals are things the child can achieve with effort, such as raising her hand and waiting to be called on, at least half of the time. It is important that the child succeeds in whatever goals are set before you set higher ones. Typical goals: raising hand first, waiting turn, standing in line without pushing, asking for help rather than giving up.



5. Make a special effort to show the child emotional warmth--a pat on the shoulder or a warm smile to let her know you are very glad to see her in the morning. This personal warmth will combat the tendency that children with ADHD have for low self-esteem and despondency. Warmth from you is especially important when the child acts in an annoying or challenging way--that is, when you may feel least like giving it!



6. Communicate regularly with the child's parents so that you are working as a team. For example, they should let you know of any special or stressful events at home that might affect the child's feelings or behavior. You can do the same from the school side.



7. A daily home-school report card is a very powerful intervention. Using the daily report card, a child can be rewarded for positive behaviors in school with praise and a special privilege at home (extra TV, extra fun time with parents). Negative behaviors can cost TV time or other extra privileges.
   
   Start by creating a list of target behaviors, with a rating scale from 0 to 3: 0=goal not at all achieved, 1=less than usual, 2=average, 3=excellent. Some common targt behaviors are (1)raises her hand consistently (not shouting out answers); (2)focuses on class-work appropriately; (3)is respectful of classmates and teacher.
   
   Make up a report card that lists the three target behaviors with a box next to each one for the day's rating. Make multiple photocopies of the card so that there is one for each school day.



8. Make up personal goals for the child along with the child's parents. Three or four goals is usually the right number. Photocopy enough sheets for a month, and send one home each day. Whenever the child's total score reaches a certain point (which you and her parents set up), she can get congratulations and perhaps a reward. If problems occur, you can note these as well.

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