Research has confirmed some children learn better when moving to help them process information. Some might even have symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Fidgeting and squirming is helpful for them whenever they are confronted with challenging tasks. Some Children find it difficult to sit for long periods of time; some classrooms have been helpful by letting students opt to use an activity ball for sitting on instead of sitting on their regular student chair. Also other schools have the student’s using tall desks and the student can stand when working along with sitting using the taller stools. It’s even helpful for a student to move around (throwing something in the garbage or sharpening a pencil) letting the student stretch their legs. It’s not natural for a child to sit for hours. To hear schools are reducing recess times or even removing recess altogether is sad; breaks are vital to a child’s learning.
Paper clips, stress balls, clicking pens, rubber bands, magnets, most of us mindlessly fidget with something while we ponder a project, listen to a lecture, or work through a problem. Research shows a correlation between working with our hands and increased memory and creativity. A recent study found that writing by hand rather than typing on a keyboard helps us better process and retain information. And mindless doodling can boost memory and attention span.
Fidgeting is a real problem. It is a strong indicator that children are not getting enough movement throughout the day. We need to fix the underlying issue. Recess times need to be extended and kids should be playing outside as soon as they get home from school. Twenty minutes of movement a day is not enough! They need hours of play outdoors in order to establish a healthy sensory system and to support higher-level attention and learning in the classroom.
• Allowing students to keep a fidget toy in their desks is a small start. Students can take the toy out when they feel like interrupting or jumping up. This can be a ball to squeeze or another toy with interesting tactile properties to keep them physically engaged so they can pay attention.
• A yoga ball chair or therapy bands tied to chair legs can help students with ADHD bounce and move without leaving their seats. This is especially effective during tests or writing sessions that require quiet thinking and movement at the same time.
• Having an activity time, recess or break, an interactive game; puts a smile on a child’s face and lightens ones stress.
One 2005 study concluded that kids who are allowed to fidget during class learn more quickly than those who are not. Karen Pine with the University of Hertfordshire says that “if teachers encouraged more fidgeting in class they might find children actually learn more.”
Some children just need focusing tools and not medication to focus. Having a fast mind means one can multitask, work at a faster pace, think forward and doing so without medication is important. Your child’s mind is growing, you don’t want to stunt that growth; they need to learn how to live with their fast mind and use it at its best.
Call today to make an appointment for Testing and see there is another alternative to medication. ABC Dyslexia Center, (253) 854-9377