Calming Down ADHD Kids

My fifth-grader, who has been diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has a difficult time staying still in the classroom. My son does it all -- he fidgets, squirms and wiggles. His teacher definitely has problems with this. Do you have any ideas to help my son move less? -- ADHD
Answer: If your son has either an individual education plan (IEP) or a 504 plan, these plans should include some accommodations that his teacher can use to help him move less in the classroom. If there isn't an IEP or 504 plan in place, bring in all your documentation from his doctor. This should help you and the school develop a plan that works for him.
Talk with the teacher about the accommodations your son needs. The more physical outlets for his pent-up energy, the less likely he will be to move so much. Your son could be a message runner, sit in the back of the room and then stand up when he feels restless, or leave the room and walk up and down the hall. Some teachers let students walk around briefly between lessons, and a few even have mini-trampolines in their classroom or exercise balls instead of chairs for restless students.
Nowadays, not just ADHD children, but all children, are more restless in the classroom because of fewer opportunities to move around during the day -- limited recess and P.E. time. Fidget toys can help them, because they let children burn energy and concentrate on the main tasks at school. Before sending your children to school with one of these toys, make sure their teachers approve. Here are some suggested toys: worry beads, small rocks, Nerf balls, beaded bracelets and paper clips (can be bent into interesting shapes).
Chewing gum often helps reduce restlessness. And many students may do better on tests and concentrate on their reading if they can listen to music while doing these activities.