Website design By BotEap.comSitting still can be difficult for very young children. For children with ADHD, sitting still can be impossible. Most schools now use an activity called circle time to instruct children in all kinds of academic subjects. While sitting in a circle is better than being tied to a desk, for kids with ADHD, this is still a difficult school activity.

Website design By BotEap.comFortunately, there are strategies and devices that help all children stay engaged during circle time, and for children with ADHD, these strategies can mean the difference between learning and sitting in a ‘time out’ spot most of the time. day. This list of suggestions can help all elementary school children and may even be useful for use with preschool children.

Website design By BotEap.comBefore sitting in a circle, children should be allowed to engage in some form of gross motor activity (eg, stretching, jumping jacks). This may be necessary not only 2-5 minutes before circle time, but may also be necessary during this time if children are expected to be still for more than 20 minutes. Children with high energy may need to run for more than 5 minutes and if a break can be scheduled just before sitting still, interruptions will be minimized.

Website design By BotEap.comAll children need a break for recess, preferably in a green space. We know from countless studies that both green spaces, like parks and wooded playgrounds, and physical activity will improve ADHD hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention. All children benefit from green spaces and exercise, but for children with ADHD, twenty to thirty minutes of active play outside is just as important to their therapy as medical treatment.

Website design By BotEap.comThe trend in many schools is to eliminate recess, but most teachers are realizing that skipping recess is counterproductive and that all children are more attentive after a break outside. Parents of children with ADHDF should insist that their child’s school include outdoor break in their curriculum.

Website design By BotEap.comOnce circle time has started, a small doodle pad can keep a hyperactive child busy just like a quiet “job.” Some teachers give fidgety kids a stack of crayons and ask them to sort them by color, other kids are asked to sharpen class pencils. The rubber bands can be sorted by color and the markers can be arranged and wrapped in rubber bands. Creative teachers have found that giving active kids a “job” during circle time can keep kids engaged and engaged.

Website design By BotEap.comSome schools have had great success using ‘talking sticks’ during circle time. For impulsive kids with ADHD, this reminder of when it’s not appropriate to talk can be a powerful and helpful tool. It is also important for the teacher to communicate to the children what activity is acceptable during circle time, as many young children do not intuitively know what the expectations are. Children with ADHD can be especially unaware of teacher expectations, and clear, age-appropriate instruction regarding the rules of circle time is essential for children to learn during this school activity.

Website design By BotEap.comMany school-age children with ADHD find it difficult to sit still during circle time. The school and classroom strategies described above can help make circle time an educational, relaxing, and productive time for all children in the classroom.