Learning a new language can be challenging, especially for children with ADHD who struggle with focusing on tasks for extended periods.

English language acquisition requires an interactive and engaging approach to keep these children interested in learning the language and avoid frustrations.

The Challenges That ADHD Children Face in Acquiring English Language

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects a child’s attention span, impulse control, and hyperactivity. Children with ADHD have difficulties sustaining focus and are easily distracted.

When these children are learning a new language such as English, they face additional difficulties such as:.

Difficulty in retaining information
Difficulty in memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules
Difficulty in organizing thoughts for writing or speaking
Difficulty in staying engaged in the learning process.

How Active Learning Can Help

Active learning is an approach that encourages children to learn by doing rather than listening or observing.

This type of learning is particularly useful for children with ADHD, as it allows them to participate actively in the learning process and stay engaged. Here are some ways active learning can help:.

1. Make Learning More Interactive

Passive learning, such as listening to lectures, can be challenging for ADHD children. Active learning makes use of interactive materials such as flashcards, games, and activities, all of which stimulate the senses and appeal to their learning style.

By combining interactive tools and language acquisition, ADHD children stay interested and attentive, which makes a significant difference in their language learning process.

2. Encourage Collaborative Learning

ADHD children work best in groups where they can share ideas and collaborate with their peers.

Cooperative learning is essential for English language acquisition as it provides an opportunity for children to develop communication skills while also learning a new language. Pairing students with different language abilities fosters a sense of community and encourages collaborative learning.

3. Incorporate Kinesthetic Learning

ADHD children are usually kinesthetic learners, which means that they learn better by physically engaging with the material.

Incorporating physical activities such as dancing, acting out different activities, and role-playing can break up class sessions, increase learning efficiency and help children grasp language concepts better.

4. Make Lessons Fun and Engaging

When children are interested and excited about learning, they are more likely to participate and retain new information. In the case of ADHD children, making lessons fun and engaging can significantly improve their motivation to learn.

For example, teachers can incorporate fun English games such as word puzzles, riddles, and online quizzes to make language learning more engaging and enjoyable for ADHD students.

The Benefits of Active Learning for ADHD Children in Language Acquisition

Active learning is an effective approach, especially for children with ADHD, as it ensures that the activities are engaging, interactive, and entertaining.

Here are some of the benefits of active learning for children with ADHD for English language acquisition:.

1. Improved Attention Span

Active learning activities are designed to keep the students’ attention engaged.

By making English learning exciting and interactive, ADHD children are more motivated to follow along with the lesson, increasing their attention span and reducing behavioural distractions.

2. Enhanced Retention of Information

Memory retention is a component of active learning, and when applied to English language acquisition, it ensures that the key language concepts stick in children’s minds.

When ADHD children engage with the language’s essential concepts, focusing on well-organised interactive lessons, they are more likely to retain the information.

3. Increased Vocabulary Recall

Vocabulary retention is critical in English language acquisition, and learning new words can often be challenging for children with ADHD.

Active learning methods that incorporate games, skits, and other interactive methods can significantly improve students’ ability to recall new words, thereby increasing their English vocabulary.

Summary

Active learning is an innovative and effective teaching strategy that can help to improve English language acquisition for ADHD children.

By making language learning interactive, collaborative, fun, and engaging, educators can better hold ADHD students’ attention while also enhancing their language acquisition experiences, vocabulary, and grammar skills.