If you have a child with ADHD, you might find that sitting down to teach math is…a bit of a challenge.
Well, in my family, the word “challenge” isn’t quite strong enough to describe how difficult math lessons can be. Let’s try “cage match to the death”. I think that’s more accurate. 🙂
My wiggly kids resist anything that requires sustained mental effort, due to issues with executive function, so learning math concepts is their least favorite thing to do. As a result, I’ve had to take math off the page and into their hands to make some ideas really stick.
So – if your child with ADHD struggles with math, you might want to try these 10 math activities for ADHD students. They’ve worked wonderfully in our house!
Image c/o: Nadezhda1906 / depositphotos
10 Math Activities for ADHD Students
- Use LEGO blocks to construct 3D Bar Graphs.
- Make Math Factor Snowflakes and hang them in your window.
- Show kids how to cut and paste simple repeating math patterns.
- Have children work out tens and ones with Unifix cubes.
- Practice math facts while doing a simple exercise or having a Brain Break.
- Teach math concepts in a foreign language, such as how to count in Spanish or Sign Language.
- Use math lapbooks to help kids visualize math concepts and memorize basic facts.
- Combine math with reading by using math storybooks such as Life of Fred.
- Drill kids on basic math lessons, including fractions, polygons, and telling time using flashcards.
- Create math art, such as coloring grids on graphing paper.
Be sure to check out my ebook “Homeschooling with ADHD” for more help to teach your ADHD child at home!
Want even more fun math ideas? Try these book suggestions!
And be sure to follow my Math Mania board on Pinterest!
These are great ideas but my daughter is 11 and Math is a nightmare for both of us I have been comming up with ideas myself when it comes to math she is between a 3rd and 6th grade level if its to easy she gets angry and bored and if it is to difficult i have a fight on my hand.. problem is its the same either way.
Worse yet I can go over math with her 20x and she will recall none of it..I am at my wits end I want to make worksheets for her that could help but I have no clue what program to use or where to start ..
so I do it the old fashioned way I stay up late and draw out worksheets for her… I have also made counting cards..its so difficult to do multiplication or division when she cant even recall or grasp the concepts of skip counting. or counting its as if it literally disapears..I also use time 4 learning but its been difficult we made it to fractions by the skin of our teeth but truely she understands none of it..
Honestly I feel I am failing her as a teacher..
Even playing games like Monopoly turnn into chaos..
do you have anything for 11 year olds or some ideas most home school sites focus on the younger kids..
Thanks