What teaching strategies support attention in preterm children with ADHD?

PostedAugust 21, 2025

UpdatedSeptember 4, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Avery Lombardi, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

ADHD teaching strategies are crucial for supporting children with ADHD in classroom settings. These children often face unique challenges, including developmental delays and attention difficulties, which can make it hard for them to stay focused. Individualised classroom techniques meet their specific needs and help them succeed academically.

Attention strategies that are both structured and flexible are key to improving focus and behaviour. By using the right techniques, teachers can create an environment where children with ADHD feel supported and are able to stay on task.

Key ADHD Teaching Strategies for Attention in Preterm Children

Here are key teaching strategies for attention in preterm children:

Use visual aids and cues

Visual aids can significantly improve focus and attention in premature and ADHD children. Charts, pictures, and written instructions help these children process and remember information more effectively.

Break tasks into smaller steps

Breaking assignments into smaller, more manageable tasks is one of the most effective ADHD teaching strategies. Preterm children with ADHD often struggle to focus on large tasks. By dividing tasks into smaller steps and offering clear instructions, teachers can help children stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Offer frequent breaks

Children with ADHD, particularly premature ADHD children, benefit from regular breaks to recharge and refocus. Implementing short movement breaks during lessons allows children to release excess energy and return to their work with renewed focus. This also helps them manage impulsivity and reduces frustration.

Use positive reinforcement

Incorporating positive reinforcement into daily classroom routines can significantly improve attention strategies. Offering praise for staying on task or completing an assignment can motivate children to keep their attention focused.

Minimise distractions

Creating a quiet and calm classroom environment is crucial for premature ADHD children who are easily distracted. Seating children away from windows, doors, or busy areas helps limit external distractions and makes it easier for them to concentrate on their work.

By incorporating visual aids, breaking tasks into smaller steps, offering regular breaks, and using positive reinforcement, teachers can significantly improve attention and academic success for these children.

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and developmental guidance.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to premature birth or low birth weight.

Avery Lombardi, MSc

Author

Avery Lombardi is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a Bachelor’s in Psychology. She has professional experience in psychological assessment, evidence-based therapy, and research, working with both child and adult populations. Avery has provided clinical services in hospital, educational, and community settings, delivering interventions such as CBT, DBT, and tailored treatment plans for conditions including anxiety, depression, and developmental disorders. She has also contributed to research on self-stigma, self-esteem, and medication adherence in psychotic patients, and has created educational content on ADHD, treatment options, and daily coping strategies.

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.