Look around any classroom and you will see plenty of squirming and movement that looks like off-task activities. While some of these kids are just being kids, many of these little wigglers have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. For those students, the wiggles are not behavior problems, but rather the coping mechanisms they have developed to help them complete their learning tasks.
Research shows that kids with attention deficits fidget to increase their ability to focus.
The problem with some kinds of fidgeting in the classroom: it can be distracting to the other students. Try these non-distracting fidget activities in the classroom or during homework to help kids with ADHD “fidget to focus.”
- Bungee cord: Wrap a large bungee cord around the legs of a chair to make a mini-trampoline where the student can silently bounce one or both feet.
- Bucket of beans: Fill a large dishwashing bucket with dry beans or lentils and allow the student to run his or her bare feet through the beans. The sensation provides a gentle stress relief that allows for calm focus.
- River rocks: A palm sized, smooth river rock is a perfect quiet fidget for times when handwriting is not needed. Allow the student to turn the rock over and over in their hand as they listen.
- Seat cushion: An inflatable seat cushion creates a pillow of air that allows student to shift back and forth as they listen or work.
- Balloons: Long thin balloons make great stretching tools that can be silently manipulated under the desk during reading or listening time. Round balloons can be filled with sand or flour to create a homemade fidget ball.
Do you have fidget activities you have found to work in the classroom or at home? Share them in the comments!
Like what you’re learning? Pin it for later!
