---
title: 'What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in grade school'
description: 'ADHD can have a big impact in the grade school classroom. Here are signs of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder teachers might see. '
slug: what-teachers-see-how-adhd-impacts-learning-in-grade-school
author: Amanda Morin
reviewer: Bob Cunningham, EdM
published: '2019-08-05T15:26:57.700Z'
thumbnail: https://cdn-images.understood.org/p0qf7j048i0q/AwhEpT2vUO84DgNvZDmkO/3c0c01c7491aba8c63de565dd2037c20/G1397509055.png
source_url: https://www.understood.org/en/articles/what-teachers-see-how-adhd-impacts-learning-in-grade-school
lang: en
---

# What teachers see: How ADHD impacts learning in grade school

ADHD can make it harder for grade-schoolers to finish their schoolwork and get along with the teacher and other students. Here’s what your child’s teacher may be seeing.

## Starts assignments but doesn’t complete them

- Your child starts to work independently in class but gets irritated by the noise another child is making.
- Your child starts off participating in a group project but then drifts off and stops contributing.
- Your child goes to look something up in a book and just keeps reading, instead of going back to the assignment.

**The issue:** Kids with ADHD can be easily distracted and get derailed in the middle of assignments.

## Is always talking

- Your child interrupts with questions or comments during instructional time.
- Your child irritates other kids by talking during quiet work time.
- Your child has trouble getting to the point when answering a question.

**The issue:** Kids with ADHD often talk excessively and blurt out their thoughts.

## Doesn’t work well in groups

- Your child is argumentative and always has to have the last word.
- Your child won’t let other kids make a presentation and insists on being the one to talk.
- Your child calls other kids “stupid” and puts down their ideas.

**The issue:** Kids with ADHD can get frustrated when they don’t get what they want. They might have trouble filtering what they say and understanding how they come across to others.

## Appears to be “spacing out” during lessons

- Your child asks “what?” even when actively listening.
- Your child doesn’t remember the teacher’s directions.
- Your child doesn’t know what items to have for a project.

**The issue:** Kids with ADHD often have trouble focusing and paying attention.

---

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