In addition to drug therapy which of the following actions by the teacher would be most beneficial to the 8 year-old with ADHD?

• A. Decrease the number of children he has contact with at a time after school.
• B. Have him work at a table isolated in the corner of the room.
• C. Place him in 'time out' for talking during class.
• D. Reward him with something from the treasure box when he completes his worksheet.

Answer: (D)

Positive reinforcement through a structured reward system helps children with ADHD build and maintain on-task behavior. When the teacher rewards him for completing a worksheet, the action of finishing the task is immediately linked to a desirable outcome, which strengthens focus and task completion. This approach provides clear expectations, immediate feedback, and motivation to stay engaged, and it complements medication by addressing classroom behavior directly.

The other strategies are less effective for promoting sustained task engagement. Reducing peer contact after school doesn’t teach or reinforce the desired classroom behavior and can limit social development. Isolating him in a corner is punishment-based and may worsen frustration or social withdrawal. Time-out for talking is punitive and may not reliably teach the appropriate way to interact or sustain attention, especially if not paired with clear guidance and a plan for future correct behavior.