Strategies to Support Wiggle Worms in the Classroom

Why is my child so wiggly?

There are many possible factors that contribute to children having difficulties sitting still in a classroom setting.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). ADHD presents as kids who seem restless, constantly active, and have limited attention.

  • Difficulties with Sensory Processing. This can affect their self-regulation, and therefore, impact their ability to sit still.

  • Diet. Children with diets that are rich in processed foods and sugar, or who are preoccupied with hunger may experience fluctuations in energy and concentration levels throughout the day as a result.

  • Sleep Cycles. When children are not sleeping through the night, they may arrive at school sleep deprived, leading to trouble focusing

  • Transitions. Covid-19 introduced virtual, home-based learning for school for adolescents in 2020. The transition back to a traditional school/classroom setting can be a significant adjustment for some children, as they had to learn to adapt to different expectations and a more structured routine.

Finding the Right Balance: Just-Right vs. Sensory-Needs State

Consider if students in the classroom are in a state where their bodies can support their ability to stay focused. 

  • Sitting upright, easily aroused.

Or if students are in a state where they cannot attend to the lesson being presented because their brains are not alert and ready to learn.

  • When students are in this state, they often have been sitting for too long without having had an adequate movement break, or interesting/novel activities to engage with. 

Movement Breaks

It is helpful to allow for time to engage in movement breaks during class time routines, for example getting up to get a drink of water or doing some quick stretches. 

Creating opportunities for children to stand up can include simple actions, such as assigning classroom “chores,” such as: 

  • Helping the teacher pass out papers. 

  • Wiping tables. 

  • Cleaning chalkboards. 

  • Stacking books.  

  • Sweeping with a broom.

Hands On Activities

Incorporating activities that are more hands-on into lesson plans is an effective way for teachers to ensure students are not required to sit and provide full auditory and visual concentration for long periods of time. 

Alternatively, providing children with Play-Doh, Putty and/or fidget tools can allow them to have something to do with their hands while still staying seated and listening to a lesson.

Seating Options

For many children, the traditional classroom setup with rigid chairs and desks can be a significant barrier to effective learning. Children who have a hard time sitting still often need more than just movement breaks and hands-on activities; they need an environment that accommodates their natural energy and sensory needs. This is where flexible seating options come into play. These innovative seating solutions allow students to move, fidget, and find a comfortable position, helping them to stay engaged and focused during lessons.

Blue plastic balance disc with a handle on a white background. Text on the disc reads "Bouncyband". This type of disc is also known as a wobble cushion or stability disc.

Wiggle Seat Cushion

  • Can be placed on any chair and typically has two sides (acupressure side and flat side).  

  • Allows children to move in their sit and work on core muscles as air moves around the cushion.

A child sits in a classroom chair. The chair has wiggle wobble chair feet on it.

Wiggle Wobble Chair Feet

  • Compatible with most school chairs.  

  • Provides children with the ability to gently and continuously move in their seat which can help regulate. 

Three colorful Theraband resistance loops in varying widths lay side-by-side. The text "Theraband" is printed on each loop

Theraband on Chair Legs

  • It can be helpful to attach a theraband on the legs of a chair, so children can move their feet while staying in their chair.

A child sits on a purple chair. The chair has a sit and twist cushion on it that allows the child to swivel in the chair.

Sit & Twist Cushion

  • The cushion disc spins smoothly like a "Lazy Susan" enabling children to silently twist and turn.

Blue exercise ball with textured surface on white background. Spiky massage ball for muscle therapy and sensory stimulation.

Peanut Ball

  • Sitting on a peanut ball allows children to work on core muscles to engage upright while also squeezing the peanut ball between their legs for stability.  

  • Peanut ball has nodules that can provide acupressure. 

Gray Gaiam Stay N Play exercise ball with legs on a white background. Inflatable chair for children.

Yoga Ball/Balance Ball Chair

  • Similar to a peanut ball, sitting on a yoga ball may be helpful for children.  

  • It allows children to work on engaging their core muscles for upper body stability while allowing bouncing up and down movements, and moving side to side for sensory input.

Triangular wedge cushion for improved posture while sitting. Promotes lumbar support and spinal alignment.

Wedge Posture Aid

  • Typically placed on a chair with backing and typically has two sides (acupressure side and flat side). 

  • Allows children to move in their sit and work on core muscles as air moves around the cushion. 

  • The incline aids in children maintaining their feet flat on the ground and their core muscles engaged. 

Red wobble stool with black rubber seat on white background. Height adjustable for active sitting

Wobble Stool

  • Come in different heights to match children’s workstations.  

  • Allows children to move in circular motions (360 degrees) freely.

Other Helpful Tools

Blue and black weighted vest with two pockets on white background

  • Many different options on the market and designs vary.

    Allows children to receive sensory input to regulate and can be worn throughout the school day.

A gray, black, and white weighted toy shaped like a snake with a textured, shiny surface. It has large, friendly eyes and a red forked tongue sticking out. The toy appears to be flexible, allowing it to curve and twist.

  • Many different options (e.g., shapes, sizes, designs) that can be chosen and matched to children’s interests and preferences.

    Depending on design and shape, it can be placed on children’s laps, around their shoulders, on top of their body if lying down.

    Allows children to receive sensory input to regulate.

    May not be appropriate for older school age children.

A folded teal weighted blanket with colorful space-themed designs, including stars and planets. One corner is flipped over, revealing a yellow, patterned underside. The blanket appears quilted with visible stitching creating a grid pattern

  • Many different options (e.g., shapes, sizes, designs) that can be chosen and matched to children’s interests and preferences.

    May have it draped over children’s shoulders or placed on top of their bodies.

    Depending on children’s weight tolerability, a weighted blanket can be used for sleep.

    Allows children to receive sensory input to regulate.

    May not be appropriate depending on age and setting.

A dark blue weighted lap pad featuring white constellation designs, resembling a starry night sky. One corner is flipped over, showing a beige, textured underside. The pad is quilted with visible stitching creating a grid pattern.

  • The deep pressure soothes and serves as a gentle reminder to stay in place.

    Place on lap while seated to provide proprioceptive feedback to help focus and self-regulate.

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