Age group(s) for which this technique is helpful:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
Middle School
High School & Beyond

Primarily used to improve behavior:
Both At Home and At School

Instructions for using this technique:
Haveing ADD myself and knowing how we (ADD/ADHDers) learn has made it a battle for me when it comes to school for my oldest (6). When I talked to the special education people in our school district, they all thought I was nuts for wanting to put my daughter in Montessori since there is "no structure". If you have ever observed and compared a traditional classroom to a Montessori classroom you will notice that there is actually MORE structure in Montessori than in a traditional classroom.

ADD/ADHD children have a completely different learning style (not just the symptoms that are obvious to a parent). Here's where Montessori could help.

1. Hands on. ADD/ADHD kids can't pay attention to a book long enough to learn from it. But if they physically manipulate the learning material, they understand..."Tell me I hear, show me I know, involve me I understand."

2. Break long tasks into little chunks. Although in a Montessori classroom it is stressed to complete a task from beginning to end, it doesn't mean the directress can make modifications...after all, they have ADD right? The thing is, is that when a child needs to take a break from their work, they can do so without being disruptive to the other children since they are all doing different things. But since they are enjoying what they are learning because they are choosing their work, not the teacher telling them what to do, that it itself helps to extend their work time because they don't get bored.

3. Self-esteem remains intact. Montessori education is molded to the child, not the child to the education. They learn at their own pace (whether faster or slower than the others). They don't feel like they have to rush to catch up or get bored when they finish first. They have no one to compare themselves to but themself.

4. Many, many more.

Other information parents should consider before using this technique:
My daughter does take Ritalin, but I think it's probably a very very small dosage than she would probably have to take if she were in a traditional classroom. Before she started Grade school, I read a book for teachers with ADD/ADHD students and how they learn. What amazed me was that all the techniques and ideas that they brought up were core elements of a Montessori classroom. She had been in Montessori pre-school and fortunately for me, she now goes to a Public school with a Montessori Program. There are many private schools through grade 6 or 8 and some private, but that doesn't mean you can't impliment it into your own home. There are books out there that deal with Montessori Homeschooling that you could use to suppliment with public school. One GREAT resource is: http://www.montessoriconnections.com