#60: Game-Changing ADHD Strategies for Primary Teachers with Cheryl Agrawal
The Exhausted Teacher Who Needed a New Way
If you’ve ever ended the day thinking, “Why can’t he just sit for five minutes?”—this episode is for you. I remember one student in my first-grade class who seemed like a whirlwind: blurting, tapping, pacing, forgetting directions minutes after hearing them. I thought I was failing him. It turns out, he wasn’t trying to make my day harder—his brain just needed different support.
In this episode of the Science of Reading Formula podcast, we sat down with Cheryl Agrawal, a veteran educator and founder of Pulse Hive, to uncover game-changing ADHD strategies for primary teachers. These tips aren’t just theory—they’re practical, sustainable, and actually make your classroom run smoother.
Understanding the Real Face of ADHD in K–2
Many of us grew up thinking ADHD meant boys bouncing off walls. But Cheryl helps us reframe that outdated stereotype. ADHD in young students can look like:
- The quiet child who zones out during phonics time.
- The student with strong math scores—but who forgets their homework daily.
- The kid who’s always touching things and talking but isn’t trying to misbehave.
She breaks down how ADHD presents as inattentive, hyperactive, or combined—and why inconsistent performance is a huge (and often missed) red flag.
Even more eye-opening? The connection between ADHD and early reading struggles. If you have students who can’t seem to retain phonics instruction or stay focused during decoding lessons, working memory issues tied to ADHD may be a root cause.
Simple, Sustainable Strategies You Can Use Tomorrow
Cheryl offers ADHD support strategies that don’t add more to your already full plate. Here are a few favorites from the episode:
1. Create Flexible, Student-Owned Movement Breaks
Instead of one scheduled break, give students agency. Let them choose from “sensory snack” activities like jumping jacks, wall push-ups, or a fidget station—on their own terms.
2. Try the “Chunk & Choice” Method
Break assignments into smaller chunks. After completing one, students get a small reset: a sticker, a stretch, or a transition cue. This helps them regulate attention without derailing the lesson.
3. Build in Relationship-Driven Support
Forget behavior charts. Focus on individual check-ins and relationship-building. When students feel seen and supported, their brains are better primed for learning.
4. Rethink Seating with “Consistency Without Rigidity”
Offer flexible options (rug, standing desk, back table) but keep routines clear. Let your ADHD students find what works—without making them feel different.
5. Collaborate, Don’t Isolate
Involve OTs, paraprofessionals, and families with curiosity and care. Start with strengths. Ask questions. Build solutions with your team, not for them.
In This Episode, You’ll Discover:
- What inattentive ADHD really looks like in young learners (and why it’s often missed).
- The surprising link between ADHD and reading struggles in early elementary.
- How to design sensory-friendly movement breaks without disrupting your flow.
- A better way to talk with families about attention challenges—without judgment.
- How to create win-win accommodations that work for students and your sanity.
Bringing It All Together
Teaching students with ADHD doesn’t mean sacrificing structure or running a chaotic classroom. In fact, the right strategies can make your day easier. As Cheryl reminds us, ADHD is not a flaw—it’s a different way of experiencing the world. When we meet students where they are, we build classrooms where everyone thrives.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula
If you’re ready to take these strategies further and learn how to support struggling readers with confidence, join us inside The Science of Reading Formula. You’ll get instant access to research-backed tools, community support, and ongoing coaching.
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