Why My Approach to ADD/ADHD Tutoring Works

Some parents wonder whether virtual tutoring can truly work for students with ADD/ADHD, especially those who struggle to sit still or stay focused. My experience has shown that with the right approach, online learning can be incredibly effective. So when parents approach me with students who struggle to learn – to even hold still long enough to learn –  I respond with new hope. Every student can learn. And learn well. But how?

My successful approach was created and honed over many years of trial and error while homeschooling my own dyslexic, hyperactive children who possessed vastly differing learning styles. (Two have since completed university, Summa Cum Laude.)

Thus, I have many tools at my disposal to help fill in important gaps in a student’s education. The key is to use the right tools at the right time. But how can they learn when they seem so distracted? When their interest is peaked, they naturally become more focused. They will hold still to absorb what (finally) makes sense to them.

I find that when they don’t settle down, either my delivery needs some adjusting, or they need the movement at that time to assist them as they absorb key information and commit it to memory. I find this is a necessary part of their learning process and is not to be discouraged. So I adjust our sessions accordingly, often using movement and discussion to drive a new concept home.

A more holistic approach often bears greater success. Some helpful tips I offer parents:

1. Activity beforehand (even 10 minutes), so they are ready for some seated learning.

2. A low-sugar protein snack, water, and a bathroom visit just prior to a session.

3. Possibly some quiet time (eyes closed?) just prior to a session.

4. Gradually adopting a lifestyle of whole foods with minimal or no sugars, carbs, chemicals and dyes – known to stimulate hyperactivity and to inhibit focus.

5. Reducing screen time, especially prior to sessions, to maximize focus and memory retention.

Above all, I create a learning environment where the student feels most comfortable, as they see I genuinely care about them and have very helpful information to offer. My teaching style is different: they are not simply fed a variety of disconnected (sometimes incomplete) content that they are then expected to repeat back and commit to long-term memory. Rather, my content fills in gaps, which finally allows them to connect the dots and make sense of a concept.

And this is where virtual tutoring can be especially successful.

Learning from the comfort and familiarity of home can help students feel more at ease. With my personalized instruction, creative teaching methods, and the flexibility to adjust each session to a student's individual needs, online tutoring can feel as natural and engaging as sitting across the table from one another.

So, yes, virtual tutoring can work for students with ADD/ADHD. And work well.

Because every student can learn. And learn well.