Fidgety
A student who is fidgety may...
- move around a lot in their space
- tap, bounce, rock, swing legs
- leave their seat
- walk around the classroom
- doodle or draw
- be easily distracted
- be "on the go"
- bother students around them
- struggle with carpet time activities
- be forgetful
- invade other's personal space
- have trouble keeping hands/body to self
- drop things
- knock things over/off
- be bored with what is happening in class
When supporting a student who is fidgety, some general strategies involve
- be sure a student can be grounded with both feet flat on the floor (90 degrees in their seat); lower furniture if needed
- build in wiggle breaks
- allow student to stand at their desk to work
- adjust your lesson to be done in seat spaces
- use alternative seating options
- pair physical engagement with a lesson (i.e., three directions? hold up three fingers, touch each finger, repeat directions)
- teach boring moments
Interventions may include
- use movement bands
- make work responses that are movement based rather than seat work only
- use stations for 3-5 items to be completed
- allow students to lay on the floor for work time
- purposeful movement/errands
- create walk spaces/paths in the classroom
- use fidgets sparingly
Literature Links
Princess Fidgety Feet by Pat Posner
I Think I Have the Wiggle Fidgets by Barbara Esham
Clark the Shark by Bruce Hale
Hands Off, Harry by Rosemary Wells
Personal Space Camp by Julia Cook
Back to Front and Upside Down by Claire Alexander
Being Frank by Earnhardt
Teacher Reading
Fidgeting Helps Focus (NEA)
Low Key/Low Cost/Low Distraction Fidget Ideas: Velcro Strips, Pipe Cleaners, Teabags, Bumpy/Textured Pencil Grips, Felt Strips on the Side of the Chair,
For the Feet: exercise bands (to bounce), rope with pool noodles (to swing), Bike Inner Tubes,