How to Help a Teen With ADD Study for Midterms

Taking midterm tests can be a challenge for any student, but it is especially so if she has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). A general lack of focus and difficulty retaining information may make studying more tedious; however, there are steps parents can take to assist their child with this necessary undertaking.

Things You'll Need

  • Study supplies, such as a calculator, pens and pencils, paper, etc.
  • Assignment book, planner or agenda notebook
  • Large wall calendar
  • Timer or alarm clock

Instructions

    • 1

      Provide her with organizational tools such as assignment books, to-do lists and agenda materials so she can prioritize her work. Help her break down the tasks needed to study the materials. Teach her how to pace herself with mini goals and objectives so she isn't scrambling to study at the last minute before the actual exam. Dr. Epstein of the New England Center for Psychiatric Training and Education advises the use of a large wall calender for any assignments that are due in more than three days so it can be used as a constant visual reminder of upcoming long-term projects.

    • 2

      Remove or turn off any distractions in the room. Do not allow loud music, cell phones or blaring televisions to interfere with her study time. Friends and family should be asked to stay away from her work area. The student's work should be done in the same place every day to provide stability and continuity -- supplies such as calculators, scratch paper, pens and pencils and notebooks should be kept organized and easily available.

    • 3

      Break down studying into small time slots. This will allow the teen sufficient breaks to move around and stretch. This helps make reading and studying less overwhelming or intimidating. Use a timer or alarm clock if necessary to control the amount of time she spends studying. However, to prevent a loss of focus, stop your child if she starts watching a television show, playing a video game or socializing on the phone as these may turn into long-term distractions.

    • 4

      Encourage periodic breaks. This will give her the incentive to keep working on the tasks at hand. It could be as simple as allowing her to play her favorite music, eat a healthy snack or take a brisk walk around the block in-between study sessions. This will give her something to look forward to and keep the momentum going.

    • 5

      Review the notes and study materials with her. Help her make small flash cards of important facts or figures and test her several times. Test her again the morning before the exam for even more retention. Read study materials aloud after she has read them so she can process the information aurally. Ask questions about the material and re-read information when she fails to provide correct answers.

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