What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in preschool
By Amanda Morin
Expert reviewed by Bob Cunningham, EdM
Preschoolers with ADHD may need a lot of supervision. They can be very active and may have intense emotions. Here’s what the teacher might see.
Needs constant supervision
Your child gets into materials easily.
Your child jumps off the top of the playground equipment.
The issue: Kids with ADHD have trouble controlling impulses and act without thinking.
Lacks physical boundaries
Your child knocks things off shelves and bumps into things.
Your child sits too close to other kids and invades their personal space.
Your child slides out of the chair and rolls on the floor.
The issue: Kids with ADHD can have difficulty controlling movement.
Has frequent meltdowns
Your child gets very upset over unimportant things.
Your child yells and screams when disagreeing with another child.
Your child doesn’t apologize after hurting someone’s feelings.
The issue: Kids with ADHD can have trouble regulating their emotions and reacting appropriately to others’ feelings.
Never stops moving
Your child can’t sit still for more than a few minutes for calendar or story time.
Your child runs in circles on the playground instead of playing with other kids.
Your child asks a question but doesn’t wait for the answer before asking again.
The issue: Kids with ADHD are often in constant motion, both physically and mentally.
Key takeaways
Learn more about what ADHD can look like in preschool.
Find out how early ADHD can be diagnosed.
Explore steps to take if you’re concerned your child might have ADHD.