Decreasing the Wiggles At Home and School

Now that school is back in session, it may be apparent to parents and teachers alike that some children may be experiencing more difficulty with the "wiggles" during structured classroom/homework times. Instead of lamenting the fact that the child cannot sit still for more than five minutes, embrace their energy and try some of the sensory strategies for use in the classroom/home to promote the learning potential of every child.

Provide "Heavy Work" Opportunities Heavy work gives necessary input to the child's body, helping him develop an improved body awareness and regulating his system. Allow the child to take responsibility in the classroom/home by completing specific jobs.

• Carry boxes of books to a designated place in the building
• Hand out papers to the class
• Push/pull heavy items in the classroom, i.e., chairs, boxes, class supplies
• Erase the chalkboard board/smartboard or table
• Empty wastebaskets or recycling
• Open doors and hold them for others

Seating Modifications: Providing movement opportunities on the child's seat, or at his/her desk is a great way to provide necessary sensory input many children crave, while also helping to increase their attention during stationary, table top tasks.

• Provide a foot fidget for a child to keep their feet busy while seated
• Provide a wiggle seat to place on the chair surface or on the floor
• Use a chair ball instead of a chair for table top tasks
• Allow time for "chair push-ups," especially before seated writing tasks

Keep Those Hands Busy: Fidgets can provide a safe outlet for kids to move their hands without disturbing others around them. By using a fidget tool, individuals can strengthen their intrinsic muscles of their hands and keep busy at the same time.

• Place a desk fidget on, or inside of the child's desk or the edge of the seat
• Experiment with fidgets in a variety of forms: Putty, desk fidgets, or fidgets with moving pieces or tactile exploration

Movement Breaks: All children need frequent breaks from work to get up and stretch and move their bodies. Frequent gross motor breaks help to "wake-up" the body and reset the brain, increasing arousal levels, resulting in improved attention and a calm body

• Provide simplified yoga routines
• Sit on a therapy ball or read while standing on a balance board
• Try jumping jacks, or marching around the classroom (or at the desk)
• Try "animal walks," such as bear walk, crab walk, or frog jumps
• Recess time with active play including running, jumping and climbing

Reducing Visual and Auditory Stimulus: For those children who become overwhelmed with too much visual input, or noise in the classroom, try the following strategies to help them maintain attention and focus.

• Use low light, or natural light as much as possible versus fluorescent lighting
• Provide a quiet space in one corner of the classroom where children can complete work with fewer distractions
• Play quiet, rhythmic music
• Eliminate clutter on bulletin boards
• Place a curtain or sheet over open shelves containing games, art materials, toys that may be distracting

Snack Time: Chewing, biting, or sucking on hard, crunchy items can be very regulating and calming for kids with sensory challenges.

• Pack chewy food items such as a bagel, or dried fruit to provide great oral proprioceptive input
• Allow a water bottle with a thick straw to be kept at the desk for sipping water
• Use chewies in the classroom to help with self-regulation and focus
• Provide crunchy fruit and veggie snacks such as apples, carrots and celery

By integrating a multisensory approach to the curriculum and home environments in short increments will help a child to focus and decrease the wiggles while completing structured tasks. How do you get your wiggles out?