Supporting Students Who Struggle to Sit Still in the Classroom
"Sit Silently, Stay Still"—Sound Familiar?
Hey there, fellow educators! If you've ever found yourself saying these words in the classroom, trust me—you’re not alone. I’ve been there too. We’ve all had moments where we just want our students to settle down and focus. But then, maybe later, you start reflecting and feel a little guilty. I get it. Give yourself grace! Teaching is tough, and we’re all learning along the way.
The truth is, some students find sitting still incredibly difficult. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t capable of learning. They just need a little extra support—and that’s where we come in!
How Can We Help?
Our job as teachers is to meet our students where they are and create a learning environment that works for them. The more we understand our students, the better we can tailor our lessons to keep them engaged. We need to observe their behaviors, interests, and struggles to figure out what works best.
One way I like to keep track of this is with an accommodation checklist—a simple tool that helps me remember which strategies work for different students. It takes the guesswork out of figuring out how to support them best. Click HERE to see it.
8 Research-Based Strategies to Support Students Who Struggle to Sit Still
1. Incorporate Whole-Class Brain Breaks
Why?
Long periods of sitting lead to restlessness, which makes it harder for students to focus. Quick movement breaks help them reset and re-engage.
How?Try 2-5 minute activities like dancing, stretching, deep breathing, “Simon Says,” or a quick game of “I Spy.”
Plan brain breaks every 15-20 minutes to keep students refreshed and ready to learn.
2. Plan Interactive Learning Activities
How?
- Use group work, hands-on experiments, or interactive games to bring lessons to life.
- Incorporate play-dough writing, gallery walks, or task-related movement to keep students involved.
- Utilize visual aids like flashcards, diagrams, and videos to support different learning styles.
3. Use Consistent Positive Reinforcement
How?
- Give verbal praise and small rewards like stickers, extra playtime, or a short game break.
- Set up a classroom reward system where students earn points for staying on task.
- Be consistent—positive reinforcement works best when students can predict it.
4. Introduce Flexible Seating
How?
- Offer standing desks, balance balls, cushions, or beanbags.
- Let students choose their seating during certain activities.
- Encourage movement-friendly workspaces so students can learn in the way that suits them best.
5. Offer a Break Box with Fidget Tools & Sensory Supports
How?
- Create a “Break Box” with stress balls, textured strips, or hand grips.
- Allow students to use fidget tools discreetly at their desks.
- Introduce kick bands (elastic bands on chair legs) to provide movement without distraction.
6. Modify Seating for Comfort & Support
How?
- Add tennis balls to chair legs to allow for quiet movement.
- Use wobble cushions or balance disks for subtle movement.
- Try kick bands so students can move their legs without leaving their seats.
7. Utilize Visual & Auditory Cues
How?
- Use visual timers to indicate work and break times.
- Implement a color-coded system (e.g., red = quiet work, green = movement time).
- Play soft chimes or music for transitions.
8. Implement Project-Based Learning & Station Rotations
How?
- Set up learning stations where students rotate between tasks.
- Assign collaborative projects that involve movement and problem-solving.
- Allow students to move within structured activities to keep energy levels in check.
Let’s Support Our Movers and Shakers!
I know how frustrating it can be when a student just won’t sit still—but let’s reframe that. Instead of seeing movement as a challenge, let’s recognize it as a learning opportunity. These students aren’t trying to be disruptive; they just need different ways to engage.
By using strategies like brain breaks, flexible seating, fidget tools, and interactive lessons, we can meet them where they are and set them up for success.
And remember—your students are lucky to have you. You’re making a difference every single day!
I’ll leave you with this thought:
“If the path we offer doesn’t lead them to understanding, we must offer detours. And if those detours aren’t effective, then we must build them a new road.”
Let’s build those roads together!
Shop my Amazon Associate Store:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please leave a comment below. Thank you!