Put on your Thinking Caps

Series 3

Sep 23

Hi Readers,

Thanks for tuning in this week. As the first month of school is coming to a close for many of my clients with ADHD, I thought it would be pertinent to discuss study skills. Studying for a test is an entirely different beast than completing a homework assignment. Tests and quizzes often come with an array of different emotions, which can impact a learner who has ADHD.

Some simple strategies can make a difference when it comes to test-taking! As an educator, one of my favorite phrases to hear from a student is “I don’t have any homework tonight!” I almost always ask them, “Don’t you have a test coming up.” The students will usually share that they have a test or quiz the following week. Students usually do not see a test or a quiz that is a few days away as an assignment that they need to study for. However, for children with ADHD and other learning differences, I highly recommend studying a little bit every night from the time the teacher assigns the assessment. While it may be a pain, this will allow the child to build skills over time rather than cram the night before becoming frustrated. This is also beneficial because if there is a topic they did not understand it gives them time to ask for help.

Using the SQ4R (Survey Question Read Recite Relate Review) method can also be helpful for students with ADHD when it comes to settling down for some study time! The first step to this method is when the student should take a look at the chapter they are studying from. They should look at any chapter objectives, major headings, or summary. The next step the student should take the headers or main concepts and formulate questions that they will answer. This will give purpose to what the student is reading. As we make our way to the four Rs of the method, students should read all parts of a text, taking notes of the main heading. They should recite or practice what they are reading by specifically highlighting keywords and doing the learning check at the end. Students should look at relating information from their notes and text to personal information and making birdies between other sections in their class. Lastly, they should review by doing a self-knowledge evaluation. This can easily be done by using flashcards or quizzes at the end of each chapter.

Studying can be an anxiety-provoking process. However, with the right resources, small amounts of time each day can add up to success on test day!

Cheers,

Emily Mori, MS, LGPC, NCC, CAS, ADHD-CCSP

As a strength-based therapist I believe mindfulness is the best approach to life's challenges. I help to empower clients seeking to move forward and to achieve their wellness goals.

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