in the classroom roland rotz, phd lifespan development center carpinteria, ca copyright © 2005,...
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In the ClassroomIn the ClassroomRoland Rotz, PhDRoland Rotz, PhD
Lifespan Development CenterLifespan Development CenterCarpinteria, CACarpinteria, CA
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. WrightCopyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Why Do We Fidget?Why Do We Fidget?
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Common Reasons Common Reasons We Fidget We Fidget
• Ants in the pants
• Too many trips to “Starbucks”
• Really would rather be somewhere else
• Not enough sleep ~twitchy~
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Release of excess energy to: “get your fidgets out!”
• Natural drummer “I can’t help it”Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Fidgeting helps Focus!Fidgeting helps Focus!
• Understimulated ADHD brain equals boredom• Boredom is intolerable• Seeking out novelty, interest, stimulation• Use senses as a “sensory stimulant”• Simultaneous use of non-competing activities• Helpful Fidgeting is doing a mindless and/or
repetitive action while doing another primary activity that is tedious and boring in order to improve performance.
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Fidget strategy at it’s worstFidget strategy at it’s worst
• Disrespectful fidgets: clicking a pen• Unplanned and unintended: procrastination• Interrupts rather than focuses
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Classroom ThemesClassroom Themes
• Multi-sensory teaching
• Interactive participation
• Increase brevity and variety
• “Free for All” moment
• Respectful fidgeting only, please!
• Interesting and occasionally entertaining
• Anticipate fluctuations and transitions
• “Try smarter not harder” Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Movement Strategies Movement Strategies
• Not just wiggling, it is while listening
• Doodling while listening
• Pacing while listening
• Chewing gum
• Standing or swaying
• Sitting on an exercise ball
• Squeezing a fidget ball
• Working at the marker boardCopyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Movement Strategies Movement Strategies
• Recess and physical activity
• Stretching
• Brain Gym
• A note taken to the office by the student
• Once around the school
• Playing with fidget toys like wiki-sticks, pipe cleaners, paperclips, Orbs
• Balancing on the back 2 legs of a chairCopyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Sight StrategiesSight Strategies
• Colorful and attractive boards
• Colorful tools (pens, folders, highlighters)
• Watching a fish tank, screensaver, water toys
• Watching flickering flames, fireplace,wind toys
• Glancing out the window
• Noticing similarities or differences in the room
• Computer programs or games
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Sound StrategiesSound Strategies
• Listening to familiar music
• Find the rhythm in the beat
• Humming or whistling to yourself
• Listening to a gentle ticking clock
• Noticing background noises
• Listening to white noise
• Listening to your heart beat
• Listening to your breathingCopyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Touch StrategiesTouch Strategies
• Stroking or touching the face or hair
• Fidget toys with texture or contrast
• Fidget toys in the pockets
• Playing with wrinkles on clothes
• Touching coins or keys in the pocket
• Folding, tearing or playing with paper
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Taste & Smell StrategiesTaste & Smell Strategies
• Sucking on Lemon drops
• Crunchy or chewy snacks
• Drinking water or other available drinks
• Scented pens and candles
• Familiar and comfortable tastes or smells
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Fidget Strategies: SchoolFidget Strategies: School
• Multi-sensory teaching and learning• Reading to background music• Reading aloud with enthusiasm • Sitting on exercise balls• Standing, swaying or chewing gum• Respectful fidgeting with toys• Brain Gym exercises• Sprint strategies to manage time/projects• Anticipating transitions/more breaks• Finding rhythms
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Time StrategiesTime Strategies“I will never be the tortoise!”“I will never be the tortoise!”
• Time sprints • Count down timers• Egg timers on your computer
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Companion StrategiesCompanion StrategiesAccountabilityAccountability
• Body double
• Study buddy
• Athletic team, coach or workout partner
• Family or “very involved” parent
• ADHD coach or personal assistant
• Therapist or counselor
• Tutor or educational therapist
• Personal organizerCopyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright
Why do we fidget? Why do we fidget? Because we can!Because we can!
Roland Rotz, PhD
805-566-0441
Fidget to FocusFidget to Focus
Outwit your Boredom:Outwit your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADDSensory Strategies for Living with ADD
written by:
Roland RotzRoland Rotz
Sarah D. WrightSarah D. Wright
www.FidgettoFocus.com www.FidgettoFocus.com/blog
Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright