Q. I teach 4th grade. Several of the boys in my class can’t seem to sit quietly in their seats when they are working. They are on task and paying attention, but they fidget a lot and bother other students. Is there anything I can do?
A. Give them something to manipulate. Research is clear that many boys are very restless and it has nothing to do with lack of attention. However, if they have something in their hand to squeeze or play with, their memories are better. Don’t let them have any sort of ball as the temptation to throw a ball is too great. Therapy balls which help develop hand strength are the best, but small stuffed animals and other squeezable objects will work as well. When they are manipulating these objects, their attention is greater and they won’t bother other students as much. If some students continue to be annoyed, move the students so that they are less likely to get in each other’s way.