ON THE WAY TO THE BARN

Do you know what it means when someone says, “We’re on the way to the barn?” That means you’re almost there…almost home…almost finished with the school year. This is also the time of the year when kids get spring fever and a little restless. 

Hint! You will notice that I use hand movements in all of these. I've learned that if I can get children to do something with their hands I have a better chance of engaging them.

Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Lollipop. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
We’ve been talking, (Open and shut fingers.)
Now let’s stop! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)

Hocus Pocus
Teacher says:
“Hocus Pocus!” (Stick out index finger and circle around like a wand.)
Children respond:
“Everybody focus!” (Make circles around eyes like spectacles.)

Student Heroes
5-4-3-2-1-zero (Hold up hand and put down one finger at a time.)
I’m looking for my (Make circles with index fingers and thumbs and place
student heroes. around eyes like glasses.)

Give Me a Clap (Tune: “Addams Family”)
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.) Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap, give me a clap,
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.) Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Now fold your hands and put them down
Into your lap. (Model putting your hands in your lap.)

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Lap (Tune: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Legs are criss-cross applesauce (Cross legs and fold hands.)
And our hands are in our lap, lap, lap

*Cut the label from a can of applesauce and glue it to a stick. Hold it up when you want your students to sit criss-cross applesauce.

How Does My Teacher Feel about Me?
Teacher says: How does my teacher feel about me?”
Children respond: I’m as special as special can be (Sparkle fingers.)
because my teacher believes in me! (Hug self.)

Secret Signals
Explain that your class will have some secret signals that no one else knows. When you say “one”, they should sit criss cross applesauce.
When you say “two,” they need to put their hands in their lap.
On “three,” they put a smile on their face.
*Make up additional secret numbers, such as “four” stand up straight and “five” hands by sides.

Sitting Chant
1, 2, 3, 4 - glue your bottoms to the floor.
5, 6, 7, 8 - hands to yourself and sit up straight.

Hint! Choose one of these attention grabbers and use it consistently for several weeks. That way when the children hear it they will automatically “tune” in.

P.S. Don't forget about those "oldies but goodies" finger plays. After all these years I can still engage a group of children with "Miss Molly," "King Kong," and "Put the Baby to Bed."

A FEW TRICKS TO THE FINISH LINE

Do you need a few more tricks to grab children's attention?  I bet you'll find at least one or two that will work for you.

Music Box
Play a music box to indicate to the children it’s time to get quiet.
*One teacher said she wound up the music box at the end of the day and challenged the children to get quiet quickly so there would still be music at the end of the day.

Bubbles
Blow bubbles and see if the children can be sitting quietly before all the bubbles pop.

Happy Chappy
You will need some lip balm with a fragrance. Gently rub children’s right hand with a “happy chappy” when they are following directions.

If You Don’t Know What to Do (Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If you don’t know what to do look at (child doing the correct thing).
If you don’t know what to do look at ---
She will show you what you ought to do
So you can do it, too.
If you don't know what to do look at ---


Flashlight Spotlight
Take a flashlight and shine it on a child who is modeling the behavior you are looking for. “Spotlight on (child’s name). He’s got his math book and he’s ready to learn.”

Breath through Your Nose
Challenge the children to practice breathing through their noses. Guess what? You can’t talk of your lips are sealed and you are breathing through your nose! (The teacher who shared this said she could run to the office and back and her kids wouldn’t make a peep!)

Peace and Quiet
Make the “peace” sign with one hand as you put the index finger from the other hand on your mouth.


Magic Clap
The teacher begins a clapping pattern which the students try to repeat.


ZYX
Can children sing the alphabet backwards and be sitting quietly by the time you get to A?

TIPS AND TRICKS - The Rules Rap

Rules help children feel secure and know what behavior is expected of them. Choose a few simple rules and state them in a positive way. 

Hint! This "Rules Rap" will be a fun way to start your day singing and dancing.

Rules Rap
Chorus:
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom. (Snap fingers.)
The rules, the rules, the rules of the classroom.

Follow, follow, follow directions, (Point index fingers.)
Follow, follow, follow directions. Chorus

Feet and hands, feet and hands, (Point to feet and hands.)
Feet and hands to yourself. Chorus

Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground.
(Quiet voice, then loud voice.)
Small voices inside, tall voices on the playground. Chorus

Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble.
(Clasp hands, then hold nose.)
Work together, don’t fight, or you’ll get in trouble. Chorus
YEAH!

Here's a video where your children can do the "Rules Rap" with me.

Click to view video

After teaching the class the “Rules Rap” discuss why rules are important. Say, “I know everyone in our class has a good rule to share with us.” Give each child a sheet of paper to draw a rule. Older students can write the rule and younger students can dictate the rule. Put their rules together, make a cover, and bind to make a book. Explain that when adults agree to do something they sign a contract. “Everyone made these rules. Are you all going to obey these rules? (Of course, they’ll agree!) Then I’m going to let you put your thumb on an ink pad and stamp your thumbprint on our book to show that you will abide by these rules.” 

When children are doing something they shouldn’t be doing take the book and point to a page as you say, “Look, it says _______ in the book. Show me the right thing to do.” 

If You Don't Know What to Do 

Here's a song to "If You're Happy and You Know It" that will suggest a positive model for children who are not following directions.

If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).

If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).

He/she will show you what to do so you can do it, too.

If you don't know what to do, look at (child's name).

TIPS AND TRICKS - Secret Signals and Signs

Try simple hand movements and sign language to engage learners.

Secret Signals
Explain that your class will have some secret signals that no one else knows.
1. When you say “one”, they should sit criss-cross applesauce.
2. When you say “two,” they need to put their hands in their lap.
3. On “three,” they put a smile on their face.

*Make up additional secret numbers, such as “four” stand up straight and “five” hands by sides


Sign Language
Sign language is multi-sensory and challenging for children. (They love to learn things that their parents and siblings don’t know!) Introduce one of these signs each day for various classroom directions.

Pay Attention - palms pointing towards face
Stand Up - 2 fingers standing on palm and then point up
Line Up - 4 fingers extended on each hand
Sit Down - 2 fingers sitting and then point down
Wait - hands to side and wiggle fingers
Stop - chop hand on palm
Please - palm open on chest and circle around
Thank you - fingers on chin and then down to palm
Look, Listen, Learn - make “L” and place by eyes, ears, and brain

*Note! Look at asl.com, lifeprint.com, or another website with sign language videos.


Peace and Quiet
Make the “peace” sign with one hand as you put the index finger from the other hand on your mouth.

Magic Clap
Explain to the children that you have a magic clap to teach them. Every time you clap your hands, you want them to repeat the clap and look at you. Practice clapping various patterns until all the children have joined in.

TIPS AND TRICKS - Props and Magic Wands

Children don’t think abstractly. They live in a concrete world and that’s why simple props work like magic to capture their attention.

Music Box
Play a music box to indicate to the children it’s time to get quiet.
*One teacher said she wound up the music box at the end of the day and challenged the children to get quiet quickly so there would still be music at the end of the day.


Whistles and Chimes
Use a whistle, chimes, squeaky toy or other sound effect to get children’s attention.

Bubbles
Blow bubbles and see if the children can be sitting quietly before all the bubbles pop.


Lights
Blink the lights, play a xylophone, or make some other unique noise or motion.


Quiet Lotion
Make a label for a bottle of disinfectant that says “Quiet Lotion” or "Calm Down Lotion." As you pass it around the class ask children to take a little and rub it in their hands. Explain that it’s a reminder to pay attention and to be a good listeners.



Quiet Creatures (Jennifer Olayo)
You’ll need a large pompom, small pompom, googly eyes, and a foam heart or flower to make a quiet creature. Glue the small pompom to the large one for a nose. Add eyes and stick the heart on the bottom for feet. Children take out their quiet creatures during quiet activities. If they talk they lose their creature. When they finish they can whisper quietly to their creature.

Brain Sprinkles
Put a few spoonfuls of rice in a Pringle’s can and glue on the lid. Cover the can with sparkly paper. When it’s something important for the children to learn explain that you will put brain sprinkles on them. (Shake the can over their heads!)




Abracadabra!
Make a magic wand by dipping the end of a chopstick in glue and then rolling it in glitter.

Dry. Wave the wand in the air as you say:

Abracadabra! When you feel the magic you will be quiet and listen to me!

*If a child is not listening, wave it over their head as you say, “You must not feel the magic. Child’s name, do you feel it now?” Look at the child as you say this and you might even surprise yourself how well it works!

TIPS AND TRICKS - Espanol!!!

I'm always thrilled when I can offer you translations. Although I can't do it, several years ago Claudia Hernandez translated my favorite attention grabbers and transitions for you. GRACIAS, CLAUDIA!


ATTENTION, PLEASE!

Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Lollipop. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
We’ve been talking, (Open and shut fingers.)
Now let’s stop! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)

Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Chupete. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
Hemos estado hablando (Open and shut fingers.)
¡Ahora detengámonos! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)


Hocus Pocus
Teacher says:
“Hocus Pocus!” (Stick out index finger and circle around like a magic wand.)
Children respond:
“Everybody focus!” (Children make circles with fingers and thumbs and place
around eyes like spectacles.)

Hocus Pocus
Teacher says:
“Hocus Pocus!” (Stick out index finger and circle around like a magic wand.)
Children respond:
“Todos concentrados!” (Children make circles with fingers and thumbs and place
around eyes like spectacles.)

H-A-P-P-Y
Teacher says: Is everybody happy?
Children repeat: Yes, ma’m. H –a- p – p – y. Happy! (Clap on letters.)

F-E-L-I-C-E-S
Teacher says: ¿Están todos felices?
Children repeat: Si, maestra. F-e- l- I -c- e -s. Felices! (Clap on letters.)


Give Me a Clap (Tune: “Addams Family”)
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap, give me a clap,
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Now fold your hands and put them down
Into your lap. (Model putting your hands in your lap.)

Give Me a Clap (Tune: “Addams Family”)
Aplaudamos (Clap twice.)
aplaudamos (Clap twice.)
aplaudamos, aplaudamos,
aplaudamos. (Clap twice.)
Tronemos los dedos. (Snap twice)
Tronemos los dedos. (Snap twice)
Dobla tus manos y ahora bájalas
En tu regazo. (Model putting your hands in your lap).


Sit Down Chant
Clap your hands. (Clap 3 times slowly.)
Stomp your feet. (Stomp slowly 3 times.)
Put your bottom
in your seat!

Sit Down Chant
Aplaude. (Clap 3 times slowly.)
Marchando. (Stomp slowly 3 times.)
Siéntate
en tu lugar!


How Does My Teacher Feel About Me?
Teacher says: “How does my teacher feel about me?”
Children respond: “I’m as special as special can be because my teacher believes in me!”

How Does My Teacher Feel About Me?
Teacher says: “¿Qué piensa mi maestra de mí?”
Children respond: ¡Soy más especial de lo que especial puede ser,
porque mi maestro cree en mí!"

Hands on Top
Teacher says: Hands on top. (Place hands on head.)
Students respond: Everybody stop. (Place hands on head and freeze.)

Hands on Top
Teacher says: Manos arriba (Place hands on head.)
Students respond: Todos paramos. (Place hands on head and freeze.)


Criss Cross
Criss cross, (Sit on floor and cross legs.)
Be your own boss. (Fold your arms and nod head.)

Criss Cross
Cruza tus piernas. (Sit on floor and cross legs.)
Tu estás a cargo! (Fold your arms and nod head.)


Sitting Chant
1, 2, 3, 4 - glue your bottoms to the floor.
5, 6, 7, 8 - hands to yourself and sit up straight.

Sitting Chant
1, 2, 3, 4 - siéntate en el piso.
5, 6, 7, 8 - manos en tus piernas y sentado derechito.


I Think I Can
This is a great song to sing to encourage children to always give it a try. It goes to the tune of “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
I think I can are words I like to say.
I think I can are words I like to say.
In time I’ll get it right if I try with all my might.
I think I can are words I like to say.

“Creo que puedo” son palabras que me gusta decir.
“Creo que puedo” son palabras que me gusta decir.
Con el tiempo lo haré bien, si lo intento y me esfuerzo.
“Creo que puedo” son palabras que me gusta decir.

Check out this story about the WIGGLE FAMILY that my webmaster created:

https://bit.ly/drjeanWiggleFamSpanish

TIPS AND TRICKS - Line Up!

Children and lines are not a “perfect fit,” but these songs and movements will engage them in a positive direction.

Lining Up Is Easy to Do ("Cadence" - Children repeat each line.)
Lining up is easy to do (Slap thighs to the beat)
When you take care of only you.
Feet together hands by sides,
We've got spirit, we've got pride.
Sound off - 1, 2
Hit it again - 3, 4
Out the door - 1, 2, 3, 4,
1, 2 - 3, 4

Line Up Song
(Tune: “Gilligan’s Island Theme Song”)
I’m looking straight ahead of me
My arms are at my sides.
My feet are quiet as can be
I’m ready for outside.

Line Up Song
(Tune: “Hi Ho, Hi Ho”)
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to (lunch, play, home, etc.) we go.
With our heads held high and arms by our sides
And our belly buttons all in a row.

Hips and Lips
Children place one hand on their hip and one finger on their lips.

*Hips, Lips, Zip, Flip
Teacher says "Hips" - children put one hand on their hips.
Teacher says "Lips" - children put index finger from the other hand on their lips.
Hallway Trip
“Zip” – pretend to zip your lips.
“Flip” – fold arms across your chest.
“We’re ready for the hallway trip.”


Let’s Pretend!
Marshmallows - Have the children put “marshmallows” in their mouths (Puff out cheeks.)
and put “marshmallows” on their feet. (Model walking slowly and gently.)
Museum Hands – Children clasp their hands behind their backs.
Butterfly Wings or Angel Wings - Children put their hands behind their backs and stick out their elbows and flap them like wings.

Bears and cave – One hand is the bear and insert it in the other hand behind your back.

Fix It Up
When students forget school rules and appropriate behavior, simply say:
STOP! (Put your hand in the air.)
BACK IT UP! (Have them return to their seats.)
FIX IT UP! (Choose a child to describe the appropriate behavior.)


A E I O U

A E I O - You may be dismissed.
(Point to children as you say the vowels. The child who would be “U” may line up.)


Wall Push Ups
While children are waiting and standing in line in the hall encourage them to do push ups against the wall.

Locket Pocket
To line up the teacher says: Locket. (Pretend to lock lips.)
Children respond: Pocket. (Pretend to put the key in their pocket.)

TIPS AND TRICKS - Have a Seat

Children will be ready to sit down and focus with one of these tips!

Give Me a Clap (Tune: “Addams Family”) 

Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a clap, give me a clap,
Give me a clap. (Clap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Give me a snap. (Snap twice.)
Now fold your hands and put them down
Into your lap. (Model putting your hands in your lap.)



Sit Down Chant
Clap your hands. (Clap 3 times slowly.)
Stomp your feet. (Stomp slowly 3 times.)
Put your bottom
in your seat!

Criss Cross
Criss cross. (Children sit cross legged on the floor.)
Be your own boss! (Children fold arms around their chest as they give themselves a hug. Hugging their chests helps children center themselves and gain control.)

Criss-Cross Applesauce
Cut the label off a can of applesauce and glue it to a piece of paper. Tape the paper to a stick and whenever you want the children to sit "criss-cross applesauce" hold up your sign. That's a good example of visual literacy because before children read words they read pictures.
*Thanks to my friend Pamela Pounds for this fantastic idea.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Lap (Tune: "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes")
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Head, shoulders, knees, and lap, (Point to appropriate body part.)
Knees and lap.
Legs are criss-cross applesauce (Cross legs and fold hands.)
And our hands are in our lap, lap, lap.


Sitter Spot
If your class has a difficult time sitting in a spot you can make them a “sitter spot” from felt squares or fun foam. Cut circles (any size) and write the students’ names with a maker. Spread these out so they all have a defined place to sit. Explain that it’s their “special” spot.




Divide and Conquer
One of the simplest techniques for “impulsivity” is to separate children who tease each other. Putting a high-energy student between two quiet friends will definitely have a calming effect.


Put Your Bottom on the Rug
(Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
Put your bottom on the rug, on the rug.
Put your bottom on the rug, on the rug.
Put your bottom on the rug, then give yourself a hug.
Put your bottom on the rug, on the rug.


Have a Seat (“Shortnin’ Bread”)
Everybody have a seat, have a seat, have a seat.
Everybody have a seat on the floor.
Not on the ceiling, not on the door.
Everybody have a seat on the floor!

*Note: If you want children to sit in a chair, then sing:
Everybody have a seat, have a seat, have a seat.
Everybody have a seat on your chair.
Not on the ceiling, not in the air.
Everybody have a seat on your chair.

TIPS AND TRICKS - Hocus Pocus

The best attention grabbers engage the children’s hands as well as their eyes and ears!

Hint!  Keep doing the motions and chanting the words until the entire class is following along.

Hocus Pocus
Teacher says:
“Hocus Pocus!” (Stick out index finger and circle around like a wand.)
Children respond:
“Everybody focus!” (Make circles around eyes like spectacles.)

If You’re Ready to Get Started (Tune: “If You’re Happy and You Know It”)
If you’re ready to get started say, I AM! (Children say, “I am!”)
If you’re ready to get started say, I AM! (Children say, “I am!”)
If you say that you’re not,
You’re going to miss out on a lot.
If you’re ready to get started say, I AM! (Children say, “I am!)

Tootsie Roll
Tootsie roll, (Roll hands around each other.)
Lollipop. (Pretend to lick a lollipop.)
We’ve been talking, (Open and shut fingers.)
Now let’s stop! (Make sign language sign for “stop.”)

Student Heroes
5-4-3-2-1-zero (Hold up hand and put down one finger at a time.)
I’m looking for my student heroes.
(Make circles with index fingers and thumbs and place around eyes like glasses.)

Note! It’s interesting that when children put their “focus goggles on” (fingers around eyes) it will actually help them attend to the information and store it in their brains.

P.S. This is similar to my kindergarten teacher telling us to “put on our thinking caps” 70 years ago. Good teaching is good teaching!!!

Drum Roll, Beethoven, Toot-a-Roo
Teacher says: Give me a drum roll. (Children pat legs like a drum.)
Teacher says: Give me a Beethoven. (Children pretend to hold a cello and hum Beethoven’s 5thSymphony.)
Teacher says: Give me a toot-a-roo. (Children cup hands around mouth like a trumpet and salute.)

*Let children make toot-a-roos by decorating paper towel rolls.

Here's a video where I demonstrate some of these attention grabbers.

Click to View

LINING UP IS EASY TO DO

Kids and lines don't go together very well, but it's a necessary part of classroom life. Instead of "keep your hands to yourself," try one of these positive approaches.

                                             
I’m Ready (Say or sing to the tune from "Gilligan's Island")
I’m looking straight ahead of me.
My arms are at my side.
My feet are quiet as can be,
I’m ready for outside.
Hint! Write the chant on a poster and tape it to the door. 

Line Up Song  (Tune: “Hi Ho, Hi Ho”) 
Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to (lunch, play, home, etc.) we go. 
With our heads held high and arms by our sides 
And our belly buttons all in a row. 

Lining Up Is Easy to Do ("Cadence" - Children repeat each line.)

Lining up is easy to do (Slap thighs to the beat)

When you take care of only you.

Feet together hands by sides,

We've got spirit, we've got pride.

Sound off - 1, 2

Hit it again - 3, 4

Out the door - 1, 2, 3, 4,

1, 2 - 3, 4

Hips and Lips

Teacher says "Hips" - children put one hand on their hips.

Teacher says "Lips" - children put index finger from the other hand on their lips.

Hallway Trip 
“Zip” – pretend to zip your lips. 
“Flip” – fold arms across your chest. 
“We’re ready for the hallway trip.” 

Let’s Pretend!
Marshmallows - Have the children put “marshmallows” in their mouths (Puff out cheeks.)
and put “marshmallows” on their feet. (Model walking slowly and gently.)

Museum Hands – Children clasp their hands behind their backs. 

Butterfly Wings or Angel Wings - Children put their hands behind their backs and stick out their elbows and flap them like wings.

                              
Fix It Up
When students forget school rules and appropriate behavior, simply say:
STOP! (Put your hand in the air.)
BACK IT UP! (Have them return to their seats.)
FIX IT UP! (Choose a child to describe the appropriate behavior.)

Hush, Little Children ("Hush, Little Baby")
Hush little children don’t say a word. 
We’re leaving the room and shouldn’t be heard. 
Hands at your side and do not talk. 
Tip toe in the halls when we start to walk. 

Line Up Chant (Kelley DiBella) 
1, 2 Listen and do. 
3, 4 Face the door. 
5, 6 Fingers on lips. 
7, 8 Stand up straight. 
9, 10 Let quiet walking begin. 

Wall Push Ups 
While children are waiting and standing in line in the hall encourage them to do push ups against the wall. 

Self Control  (Becky Gilsdorf)

Use this visual cue to help children who are out of control.

Cross hands over your chest.  (Self)

Slide both hands down the sides of your body.  (Control)

As the child repeats the movements silently it will calm them down.

Air Hug  (Mary Katherine Ellis)

Open your arms as if giving a huge hug in the air.

*This is good for when students see a friend in the hall.

*This is also good when someone comes in or leaves the classroom and the kids want to jump up and give them a hug.

Count Down 

Take 3” X 5” cards and write different numbers from 1-20 (or however many students you have) on each card. Shuffle the cards and hand one to each student. Have students line up in numerical order at the door. 

CHECK MATE

Here are some "tips and tricks" to use this week to help your children focus on line or in person.

Check Mate
Before starting a lesson, post a checklist of what students will need. As you read down the list, students respond, “Check!” if they are all set.

Pencils? – Check!
Paper? – Check!
Crayons? – Check!
Eyes Watching? – Check!
Ears Listening? – Check!
Hands and Feet Quiet? – Check! 

                                                    

Self Control Cue (Becky Gilsdorf)
Use this visual cue to help children who are out of control.
     Cross hands over your chest. (Self)
     Slide both hands down the sides of your body. (Control)
     As the child repeats the movements silently it will calm them down.

Class Callbacks (Sara Quinn)

Try these callbacks to help children focus:
Teacher says: Hands on top. (Students put their hands on their heads.)
Students say: That means stop!
Teacher says: Holy Moly!
Students say: Guacamole!
Teacher says: All set?
Students say: You bet!

*You can go on all day with callbacks. Marco - Polo; Peanut Butter - jelly; Criss cross – sit like a boss, etc.

Finger Friends  (Focus those fidgety hands with this rhyme.)
Two little houses closed up so tight. (Make fists)
Open the windows and let in some light. (Open hands)
Ten little finger friends so tall and straight  (Fingers up and wiggle)
Hurry to school so they won’t be late. (Bounce hands)

Self Control Lotion

I recall a teacher who kept a bottle of lotion on her desk and called it “self control lotion.” When her students were having trouble paying attention she would give them a squirt of lotion and tell t                                           

Hint!  This would be a great idea for sanitizer lotion.

Secret Hands (Melinda Ainslie)
Several years ago at a workshop Melinda shared this idea.  She said that when her daughter started kindergarten she came home from school and asked, “Mama, can you keep a secret? When you put your hands together like this (cross your fingers), it’s MAGIC because you can see better and hear better!”

Brain Toys
Fill a shoebox or basket with stress balls or knotted socks. Suggest children get a "brain toy" when they can’t keep their hands to themselves.  You'll be surprised how a knotted sock can keep little hands still and help them focus.

Hint!  Suggest parents provide their children who are learning at home with similar props.

                                                       
Fiddlesticks
Wrap a 20” piece of string around a jumbo craft sticks. Children keep these in their desk and get them out when their hands need to fiddle.