1. In the Classroom Roland Rotz, PhD Lifespan Development Center Carpinteria, CA Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

2. Why Do We Fidget? Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

3. Common Reasons We Fidget Common Reasons 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 cant help it Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

4. 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

5. Fidget strategy at its worst Disrespectful fidgets: clicking a pen Unplanned and unintended: procrastination Interrupts rather than focuses Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

6. Classroom 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

7. 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 board Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

8. 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 chair Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

9. Sight 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

10. Sound 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 breathing Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

11. Touch 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

12. Taste & Smell Strategies Taste & 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

13. Fidget 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

14. Time Strategies 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

15. Companion Strategies Accountability 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 organizer Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright

16. Why do we fidget? Because we can! Roland Rotz, PhD 805-566-0441 Fidget to Focus Outwit your Boredom: Sensory Strategies for Living with ADD written by: Roland Rotz Sarah D. Wright www.FidgettoFocus.com www.FidgettoFocus.com/blog Copyright © 2005, 2008 by Roland Rotz & Sarah D. Wright