That wiggly kid!

My last blog post got me thinking about all the things that I try to implement in my classroom to help those wiggly students.

Over the years I have tried MANY different things, weighted vests, weights for shoes, stress balls, bands on chairs, wiggle seats, etc.  It seems like every year I try something new because what worked the year before is not working or because every student has different needs.

This I have loved the exercise bands (surgical tubing) I have implemented.  I originally purchased a set of three exercise bands (for $17.00) from a local sporting goods store.  It had three different strength bands; heavy, medium & light.  The medium and light did not last very long! The heavy weight band has been great but expensive!  Check it out!

Because I have several kids this year that bands would benefit I was working on writing a grant to purchase more bands and balance cushions (I couldn't afford $17.00 per band!) when a dad of a "wiggly" kiddo asked what he could do to help his child.

I showed him the exercise band and told him I was working on writing a grant for more (as well as balance cushions), he had a great idea to use surgical tubing!  For less than the price of one set of exercise bands, he was able to make 5 surgical tubing bands!  AND they are much sturdier than the bands.  He simply measured the chair width, tied each end in a knot, made a loop and put a zip tie around it.  It works wonderfully!  (I found tubing HERE and zip ties HERE on Amazon for a great price; it would make each band approximately $2.00-$3.00.)

This dad also brought in a balance cushion for his son as well.  The cushion has been incredibly helpful too.  It allows my student to wiggle without falling off of his chair and he gets the movement he needs to help him stay on task.

This is what his chair looks like with the balance cushion and band.  He carries his cushion all around the classroom with him because he knows it helps him to stay focused.

It's been a great addition to my "wiggly" kiddo strategies.  I found them HERE on Amazon for $12.00 a cushion.  I have several students who could benefit from the balance cushions, I just have to get on the grant writing!

That Kid

Dear teachers of my child and fellow colleagues,

That student in the back of your room, sitting by himself, silent, sullen, with an "I don't give a crap" look on his face; don't be fooled.  He's actually trying to understand the concepts you are teaching but has a hard time focusing because of the noise level and constant talking of other students around him.

I know.

You're using all the methods that your district keeps providing training on; Restorative Justice Circles, Common Core, Group Work, Unit Work, Performance Tasks.... the list goes on and on; but did you know it's actually very simple..... he's THAT kid!

THAT kid who needs a quieter environment to work in.

THAT kid that struggles to concentrate when the other students around him are talking (even quietly).

THAT kid who won't ask for help, not because he thinks you won't help him, but because he feels there are other students in the class that need more help than he does.

But I'll let you in on a little secret.....

He needs YOUR help.
He needs YOU to recognize that he isn't avoiding participating because he's too cool or uninterested, but because he feels like he's standing in the middle of a busy sidewalk trying to focus on what you're teaching.

He is only able to catch bits and pieces of what you say over the many other conversations going on around him..
*the chairs moving about..
*the student in front of him that keeps getting in and out of his chair..
*the sounds of your footsteps as you walk the room..
*the hum of the lights..
*the computers that students are working on..
*the tapping of a pencil, clicking of a pen..
*did he remember to bring his assignment for his next class...?
*he has homework from the class before that he really wants to finish...
*he's running the mile today in PE (he doesn't like running and doesn't want to fail)...
*will his friends make it on the bus with him today or will they have to catch the second one...?
*what chores will he have when he gets home...?
*what's for dinner (he's a growing boy after all)...?
*he really wants to catch up on some TV...
*how hard will this class be tomorrow......?

My son's lack of participation in your class has nothing to do with you or his ability to understand and do the work, but everything to do with his inability to focus when there is just too much going on around him.  Even with his medicine some days it's all he can do to understand just a little part of what you are teaching.

It's hard to reach out to the seemingly sullen, inattentive student sitting in the back of the class at times, but hopefully we can all find it in us to figure out each of our students and provide them with the best of us.