<h1 id="1f95a51e-b83d-46dc-9778-fbe4577870e0" data-toc-id="1f95a51e-b83d-46dc-9778-fbe4577870e0">9 Tips to Finding the Right Curriculum for ADHD Kiddos: What Works?</h1>Homeschooling a middle schooler with ADHD? Buckle up, because you’re in for an adventure! Finding the right curriculum can feel like searching for a unicorn—rare, magical, and sometimes downright frustrating. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! ADHD kids can thrive in a homeschool setting—you just need the right tools. So, let’s break down what actually works and how to keep your kiddo engaged, learning, and (mostly) meltdown-free.<h2 id="249f7c1f-01cf-41e5-abb1-814400a1b1a1" data-toc-id="249f7c1f-01cf-41e5-abb1-814400a1b1a1">1. Make Learning Fun &amp; Engaging</h2>ADHD brains crave engagement. If it’s boring, forget about it! The best curriculum keeps kids moving, interacting, and excited to learn.<ul><li>Look for video-based lessons, hands-on projects, and interactive games.</li><li>Gamified platforms like Prodigy Math or WordWall for ELA are total game-changers.</li><li>Ditch the worksheet overload—unless they’re tied to cool, creative activities.</li></ul><h2 id="123a6924-d46d-49b0-b136-5e66335f6b6d" data-toc-id="123a6924-d46d-49b0-b136-5e66335f6b6d">2. Tap Into Their Interests</h2>If your kiddo is obsessed with dinosaurs, video games, or basketball—USE THAT! ADHD kids hyperfocus on what they love, so pick a curriculum that leans into their passions.<ul><li>Choose literature programs that let them pick books they actually want to read.</li><li>Find unit studies on topics they’re crazy about (space? superheroes? anime?).</li><li>Make writing assignments personal—let them craft stories about their favorite things.</li></ul><h2 id="5bd27f1f-a4ea-47d1-8990-2040e794c07d" data-toc-id="5bd27f1f-a4ea-47d1-8990-2040e794c07d">3. Keep Lessons Short &amp; Sweet</h2>The ADHD brain checks out fast if lessons drag on forever. Instead, go for:<ul><li>Bite-sized lessons (10-20 minutes max!)</li><li>Clear, simple objectives (no fluff!)</li><li>Built-in breaks so they can wiggle, move, and reset before the next task.</li></ul><h2 id="aed2febd-b9f8-4931-a6fd-b2359c64b7af" data-toc-id="aed2febd-b9f8-4931-a6fd-b2359c64b7af">4. Mix Up the Learning Styles</h2>Multisensory learning = ADHD superpower activation! Look for:<ul><li>Video instruction (because listening + visuals = win!)</li><li>Read-aloud options or audiobooks for reading-heavy subjects.</li><li>Hands-on activities—build, act out, create to help info stick.</li></ul><h2 id="1c30ac4a-36d8-4c62-b151-fe26e47daa06" data-toc-id="1c30ac4a-36d8-4c62-b151-fe26e47daa06">5. Flexibility is Key</h2>Rigid schedules? No thanks! ADHD-friendly curriculums should:<ul><li>Be self-paced, letting kids move faster on good days and slow down when needed.</li><li>Offer flexible learning times—not all kids focus best at 8 a.m.!</li><li>Allow repeat lessons if they need extra review (because learning isn’t one-size-fits-all!).</li></ul><h2 id="089d7502-9aea-4b2e-92f7-e1010d4a4df2" data-toc-id="089d7502-9aea-4b2e-92f7-e1010d4a4df2">6. Movement Breaks Are a Must</h2>ADHD kids gotta move! A great curriculum should:<ul><li>Include brain breaks between subjects.</li><li>Allow movement-based learning (flashcard jumping, act-it-out history, etc.).</li><li>Encourage outdoor activities—learning doesn’t have to be stuck at a desk!</li></ul><h2 id="26ac0442-e6e0-4e83-9071-f268c62bde39" data-toc-id="26ac0442-e6e0-4e83-9071-f268c62bde39">7. Ditch Traditional Tests</h2>Standardized tests = stress overload for many ADHD kids. Instead, look for:<ul><li>Creative projects or discussions to show what they know.</li><li>Oral presentations instead of essay-heavy assessments.</li><li>Interactive quizzes that feel more like games than tests.</li></ul><h2 id="32183c6c-63dc-4b66-81b3-21ca6699b9c3" data-toc-id="32183c6c-63dc-4b66-81b3-21ca6699b9c3">8. Pick a Parent-Friendly Curriculum</h2>You’re the teacher, but you don’t have to be overwhelmed! Look for:<ul><li>Step-by-step lesson plans (no guesswork!)</li><li>Minimal prep (because you have enough to do already).</li><li>Automated grading where possible (save yourself some sanity!).</li></ul><h2 id="b70c21b0-185b-44c8-afa9-c05d554576d8" data-toc-id="b70c21b0-185b-44c8-afa9-c05d554576d8">Top ADHD-Friendly Homeschool Curricula to Consider</h2>Not sure where to start? Here are some ADHD-friendly programs that get rave reviews:<ul><li>Light Up Literature™ Curriculum (that’s me! 🎉 Designed just for ADHD middle schoolers with engaging lessons, short activities, and interactive learning—check it out: <a target="_blank" href="www.lightupliterature.com">www.lightupliterature.com</a>)</li><li>Time4Learning (self-paced, multimedia lessons)</li><li>Moving Beyond the Page (literature-based, hands-on projects)</li><li>All About Reading/Spelling (multisensory phonics approach)</li><li>Saxon Math (structured, incremental lessons with built-in review)</li><li>Brave Writer (flexible writing program that fosters creativity)</li></ul><h2 id="5781c51f-7eef-4b23-aa27-88f90a68d5be" data-toc-id="5781c51f-7eef-4b23-aa27-88f90a68d5be">Final Thoughts</h2>Finding the right homeschool curriculum for your ADHD kiddo doesn’t have to be a headache. Engagement, flexibility, and interest-based learning are the secret sauce! Remember—there’s no one-size-fits-all, so don’t be afraid to mix and match until you find the perfect fit.Want an ELA curriculum designed JUST for ADHD middle schoolers? Check out Light Up Literature™ Curriculum at <a target="_blank" href="www.lightupliterature.com">www.lightupliterature.com</a>!What’s worked for your ADHD homeschooler? Drop your favorite curriculum picks in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!

Finding the Right Curriculum for ADHD Kiddos: What Works?

9 Tips to Finding the Right Curriculum for ADHD Kiddos: What Works?

Top ADHD-Friendly Homeschool Curricula to Consider

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9 Tips to Finding the Right Curriculum for ADHD Kiddos: What Works?

9 Tips to Finding the Right Curriculum for ADHD Kiddos: What Works?

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