How Do Teachers Accommodate Hyperactivity in Students with ADHD?

PostedAugust 22, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 5, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Victoria Rowe, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Supporting students with ADHD requires a careful balance of structure, patience, and adaptability. When it comes to teachers and ADHD hyperactivity, effective classroom strategies can make a huge difference in a child’s ability to learn and thrive. Teachers often rely on tailored strategies, proactive classroom management, and individualised ADHD support to create an environment where hyperactive students can focus and succeed.

Why Classroom Adaptations Matter

Hyperactivity can make traditional classroom settings challenging. Children with ADHD may struggle to stay seated, follow long instructions, or resist the urge to interrupt. Without support, these behaviours can result in academic frustration and social exclusion. This is why teachers play a crucial role not just in teaching lessons, but in promoting inclusion and understanding for students who learn differently.

Teacher Strategies for Supporting ADHD Hyperactivity

Here are key approaches used by educators to manage teachers and ADHD hyperactivity in the classroom:

Flexible Seating and Movement Breaks

Allowing students to stand, use wobble stools, or take short movement breaks helps release excess energy. This reduces restlessness and improves focus without singling out the students.

Clear Instructions and Visual Aids

Breaking tasks into smaller steps and using charts or visual cues supports comprehension. Students with ADHD benefit from structure and repeated instructions, helping them stay on track.

Positive Reinforcement and Reward Systems

Acknowledging good behaviour and offering small incentives can motivate students and build confidence. Positive feedback encourages self-regulation and reinforces desired behaviours.

Quiet Zones and Calm Spaces

Designating areas for focus or emotional regulation gives students a break from overstimulation. This supports emotional wellbeing and prevents behavioural escalation.

Collaborative ADHD Support Plans

Working with parents, SENCOs, and mental health specialists ensures consistency and tailored interventions. Shared strategies between home and school lead to better outcomes and stronger support networks.

For personal consultations on teachers and ADHD hyperactivity, visit providers like ADHD Certify. For a deeper dive into effective teacher strategies, improving ADHD support, and mastering classroom management, read our complete guide Hyperactivity.

Victoria Rowe, MSc

Author

Victoria Rowe is a health psychologist with a Master’s in Health Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She has experience as a school psychologist, conducting behavioural assessments, developing individualized education plans (IEPs), and supporting children’s mental health. Dr. Rowe has contributed to peer-reviewed research on mental health, including studies on anxiety disorders and the impact of COVID-19 on healthcare systems. Skilled in SPSS, Minitab, and academic writing, she is committed to advancing psychological knowledge and promoting well-being through evidence-based practice.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.