FIDGETS are nothing new. When I was a little girl I remember being called a "wiggle worm." As an older adult I still find it difficult to sit quietly for long periods at a time. I guess that’s why I can identify with kids who fidget.
Whether it’s 1953 or 2019, all children WANT to move and NEED to move. Forget ADHD or other labels, it’s natural for the body to develop through movement and exploration. However, FIDGETS seem to be escalating because children are spending way too much time sitting passively and going “tap and swipe” instead of running around outside and playing. When they are expected to sit and be quiet those wiggles build up until they are like a balloon ready to POP!
That's why Carolyn Kisloski and I have put our heads together to share tips and strategies we’ve learned over our seven decades in the field of education. Nothing can take the place of running, jumping, swinging, and climbing outside, but if you have limited time, space, and equipment, FIDGET FIXERS will:
Whether it’s 1953 or 2019, all children WANT to move and NEED to move. Forget ADHD or other labels, it’s natural for the body to develop through movement and exploration. However, FIDGETS seem to be escalating because children are spending way too much time sitting passively and going “tap and swipe” instead of running around outside and playing. When they are expected to sit and be quiet those wiggles build up until they are like a balloon ready to POP!
That's why Carolyn Kisloski and I have put our heads together to share tips and strategies we’ve learned over our seven decades in the field of education. Nothing can take the place of running, jumping, swinging, and climbing outside, but if you have limited time, space, and equipment, FIDGET FIXERS will:
*Give you brain toys that children can use to reduce fidgets.
*Teach you songs and movement activities that release energy.
*Demonstrate mindful songs to help children focus.
*Share “stand up and learn” songs and dances where children can move as skills are reinforced.
*Give you simple ideas that you can integrate into your daily plans so make YOU and your children feel better, relax, and PLAY!
*Give you strategies to nurture the executive function (aka self regulation).
*Develop social emotional learning by helping children feel better about themselves as they enjoy singing and moving with their classmates.
http://www.drjean.org/html/songs/Fidgets-index.php
I'll be sharing some of the "Fidget Fixers" later this week on FB Live, but take a look at some sample "fidget toys." These will give children an outlet for those wiggly fingers so they can focus on the learning task.
Stress Button
Materials: poker chip, Velcro (hook side), strong glue (E6000 is my favorite)
Directions: Glue a 1” piece of Velcro to the poker chip. Children can keep it in their pocket and rub it when they feel stressed or their hands are wiggly.
Hint! For older students glue a small piece of Velcro under the child’s desk.
Twisty and Bendy
Materials: pipe cleaners
Directions: Give children a pipe cleaner to twist and manipulate.
*Bendy straws are also good for little hands.
Stress Button
Materials: poker chip, Velcro (hook side), strong glue (E6000 is my favorite)
Directions: Glue a 1” piece of Velcro to the poker chip. Children can keep it in their pocket and rub it when they feel stressed or their hands are wiggly.
Hint! For older students glue a small piece of Velcro under the child’s desk.
Twisty and Bendy
Materials: pipe cleaners
Directions: Give children a pipe cleaner to twist and manipulate.
*Bendy straws are also good for little hands.
