Teaching a child with ADHD to read can feel like trying to hold their attention with a whisper in a thunderstorm. So the big question is: “How to teach a child with ADHD to read?”
One moment they’re engaged, the next they’re upside down in the chair, spinning a pencil, or pacing the room. And that’s okay. Movement isn’t the enemy, it’s often how key to focus. When hands are busy, they learn better. Kids with ADHD can learn to read well and really fast. They just need the right approach. One that’s fun, engaging, and full of variety. No boring drills. No tedious flashcards. Just activities that spark curiosity and keep their minds focused.
The first thing to know: they love to do new things. So use that to your advantage. Under-stimulated brains love novelty. Doing the same phonics exercise or reading the same book two days in a row?
THAT’S A RECIPE FOR BOREDOM.
Kids with ADHD thrive on new activities, but that doesn’t mean you need something brand new every day. Just keep a small rotation of activities on hand and change things up throughout the week. Swap out the materials, or even shift the setting – doing the lesson on the floor or outside instead of at the table can make a surprising difference.
And let them move! It’s okay if they’re upside down on the couch, standing on one leg, or fiddling with something while they work. Sitting still isn’t a requirement for learning. Some kids listen better when their hands are busy with a fidget toy or doodling with a pencil.
But variety and novelty doesn’t mean a free-for-all. Kids with ADHD also need structure. A consistent routine, set at a time of day when your child is well rested, not hungry, and ready to learn can make a world of difference. Pick a regular time and stick to it. Consistency helps children with ADHD feel prepared for what’s coming next. You need to set clear expectations from the beginning: phonics is something they have to do, even when they don’t feel like it.
“We do things because they build skills and habits”.
Perseverance teaches character, and when they aren’t wanting to do the lesson it’s okay to let them know that not every lesson will feel fun but it’s still worth doing.
Visually stimulating curriculum can go a long way.
Clear, colorful, well-designed materials can hold attention better than ugly, boring, text-based worksheets from 1984. Pair the beautiful illustrations with hands-on activities, sound-matching games, letter tiles, or moving around to learn, and you’ve got a lesson that actually sticks.
LESSONS must BE SHORT, intentional AND FOCUSED (5–10 MINUTES TOPS).
Long lessons lead to wandering attention. Aim to deliver information quickly with a fun activity to re-enforce the information. All phonics lessons should be short and sharp, they don’t need to drag on for 45 minutes.
Most importantly, the kids with ADHD need early success to keep them motivation. Quick wins build momentum. If something’s too long, too repetitive, or too dry, they’ll tune out. But if they feel a sense of accomplishment, even in small steps, they’re much more likely to keep going and want to do it again the next day.
If pulling all this together sounds overwhelming, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone.
I’ve done it for you. I created The Art of Reading because I understand how kids with ADHD think and learn. Firsthand. As a parent with ADHD myself, I couldn’t think of anything more dreadful than a 45-minute phonics lesson either (or ugly worksheets). That’s why the program requires no prep, is open-and-go, and includes, fun focused lessons you can complete in under ten minutes a day.
Looking for how to teach a child with ADHD to read?
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Each day brings a fresh activity, no repeating the same thing two days in a row. Lessons are structured the way they need to be: consistent, effective, and designed to hold attention while building real reading skills through beautiful illustrations and hands-on learning activities. If you’re ready for a reading program that actually works for the way your child learns, The Art of Reading was made for you.
