Dealing With - and Helping! - Fidgety Kiddos

No matter how engaging your lessons are or how well your classroom seems to run, you're likely to run into your fair share of kiddos who can't seem to sit still or have a tendency to fidget non-stop. What's important to remember is that, often, when a student is doodling on their paper, fiddling with something in their desk, or even shredding an eraser - they're not simply playing or trying to tune you out. In actuality, the extra activity is helping them focus better than if they were made to sit still with their hands on top of their desk.

There are various avenues you can take to help your fidgety kiddos because, let's face it, a student who has to turn upside down in his or her chair in order to pay attention is only distracting other children who are also there to learn. Here are a few, more conducive, solutions...

Pencil finger fidgets {via eSpecial Needs}

DIY balloon fidgets {via Teach123}

Busy feet web {via Therapy Fun Zone}

Wiggle cushions {via Amazon}

Along with these great products - both homemade and purchased - many educators have instituted "morning brain warm-ups" and/or "brain breaks" into their daily schedules. Providing the entire class with these scheduled, or even spontaneous, opportunities to "help get the wiggles out" also works in your favor when attempting to deal with students who have a hard time sitting still.

Many teachers start the morning with simple physical stretching exercises - that students can do right by their desks - to help them start the day relaxed and focused. Stephanie, third grade teacher over at 3rd Grade Thoughts, suggests a tin of brain break options {i.e. yoga poses, exercises, drink/handwashing breaks, etc.} to use during the day when you see that your students need a break in the action. [She actually sells the set at her Teachers Pay Teachers store if you're interested and don't want to spend time creating your own!]

Whatever solution you employ, it's important to understand why students fidget and accommodate their need for motion, while also creating an environment free of disruption and distraction for the rest of your class.