Let’s get a Wiggle On!

Feb 28, 2013

The 21st Century learners all seems to have a bit of ADHD, sensory integration and/or are just a bit more wiggly every year! I am starting my new book “It’s time to get a WIGGLE on!” The premise is to understand really how much kids needs to move especially while learning. If you can pair an academic skills with a motor movement it will STICK better in their brain! To help you realize how much they really need to move try taking their age and adding 2 minutes.

3 year old= 5 minutes
5 year old= 7 minutes
7 year old= 9 minutes
9 year old= 11 minutes
Edward E. Gickling Ph.D., Instructional Assessment Consultant

But what about those students who do have ADHD or as we call “teacher” diagnosed ADHD...well take their age and MINUS 2 minutes!

3 year old= 1 minute
5 year old= 3 minutes
7 year old= 5 minutes
9 year old= 7 minutes
Edward E. Gickling Ph.D., Instructional Assessment Consultant

You get the idea quickly that children today need lots of motor breaks to keep them in tune to what they are learning. The book will feature all kinds of easy to implement interventions such as…..

Busy Feet!
Tie medium strength thera-band around the legs of a chair. Have the student sit in the chair and put their legs behind the band. Allow them to move their legs while sitting in their chair while providing a little resistance or proprioceptive input. You will notice they will sit longer and will be getting their wiggle on while paying attention!


Use Medium Strength

Secret Velcro
Take a piece or two of the “male” (rough) side of velcro and stick it to the bottom of both sides of the students chair. Allow the student while seated to rub the velcro. You will notice they will fidget less and actually be paying attention at the same time!

Each week I will feature new interventions and will keep you updated on my book! For now be sure to get a Wiggle On in your classroom a little more often than you think!

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