5 Best Calming Activities for Students with ADHD
Back to school after two long years? It is not as simple as it sounds.
Along with it comes an uncertainty of WHYs and BUTs. A whole lot of sensory
experiences - Sound, visual, smell, touch, and awareness of experiences are
felt with respect to our body. It is very hard for some
to integrate this sea of experiences.
Let us talk about some of the things that a parent/ caregiver can do to support our little ones through it. The first step is to understand that it is hard for an already struggling child to again transition from home to school. At Aditya Birla Integrated School, we completely understand the needs of the child and have dedicated an entire team of experts including an Occupational therapist, Special educator, behavioral therapist, Counsellor, speech and language pathologist, and Psychiatrist for your child to achieve his/her highest potential.
At school, the calming strategies that we use depend upon the nature of the complaints.
1) MOVEMENT BREAKS
Usually, Movement breaks help to calm the nervous system and make him ready for a focused task. Such as giving a certain message to a teacher who is a floor above or below, responsibility to wipe the board, helping the teacher distribute sheets (teacher’s helper). These activities can also be generalized at the home front. For e.g., running small errands and sending the child out to buy things of the child’s liking. Enrolling a child who requires movement in physical games of his liking can be a great idea to feed his nervous system.
2) FIDGETING
It is very regulatory and calming for some kids. It must be made more socially acceptable if possible. For the classroom it may look like pressing a soft ball, fidgeting with a pencil, or eraser, putting Velcro under the desk, and touching it whenever they feel the need to fidget. These can be changed depending on the situation and needs of the child.
3) PRACTICING MINDFULNESS IN TERMS OF TEACHING RELAXATION.
Different breathing techniques to help the body calm down. Visualizations can also slowly relax the body. Practicing yoga has proven to be very beneficial. At Aditya Birla Integrated school, we practice mindfulness in terms of meditation and humming the sound before we start the session in the Occupational Therapy Department. We have seen huge benefits in calming the body and getting it ready for a more focused task.
4) INTRODUCE STRUCTURE
It really helps in meeting deadlines for schoolwork and reduces the chaos which happens due to inability to manage time and organization. Being aware of the next day’s events, towards the end of the day helps stabilize bodily rhythms and gets one ready for the next day. Tasks like packing their bags for school makes them aware of the school schedule.
5) EXPONENTIAL LEARNING
For older boys and girls. Learning from their own actions and consequences can really help them to stop before they act. As parents and teachers, we should closely observe the behaviors and trigger points. ADHD may also overlap with sensory processing difficulties. According to the child’s needs, a sensory diet can be advised by an Occupational therapist.
In my opinion, schools for children with ADHD, autism, and dyslexia should have a full team of professionals (like The Aditya Birla Integrated school ) to help support them through the formative years of learning.
Author: Purvi Gandhi
Occupational Therapist & Intervention Coach, The Aditya Birla
Integrated School
Also read,
Easy School Strategies For ADHD.
What Are Some Of The Typical Characteristics Of A Learner With ADHD? Find ADHD Schools In Mumbai.
What Is ADHD? How Is The Curriculum Different For Students With ADHD?
