Why won’t this kid sit down???
There are many reasons why a child won’t stay in their seat. MANY of them need simple strategies. Too often, things are tried to stop the movement without working to find the reason why the child has trouble sitting.
Where to start:
1) Rule out any medical possibilities, especially if this is a child you are just getting to know. Is the child constipated, hygiene issues, or diaper rash (yes, this still happens if the child still wets the bed and wears pull-ups). Look at the child’s clothing to ensure nothing is twisted. See if the sitting gets better or worse following a trip to the restroom. A quick chat with the nurse could rule out many things.
2) How is the child moving: up and down from the seat, running around the room or sliding, slumping in the chair, and moving from sitting to standing but always leaning on desk or chair. The running, up-and-down child is possibly either hyper or needing some more input. The child could also be new to a school setting and just not adjusting well, such as a new young Kindergartener. It is more concerning with the child who is moving often but not away from their desk (slumping, slouching, rocking); these may be signs of poor trunk stability and possibly low muscle tone.
3) How is the child doing academically? If the child is struggling, is the material too difficult? Is the student bored or not challenged enough? When children are not engaged, they become bored. When they are bored, they move. If you were sitting in a class that was spoken mostly in Japanese, how much would you be moving in order to stay awake and attempt to focus?
It is very frustrating and exhausting when you have a student who constantly has your attention due to movement. If you suspect the movement is resulting from #2, PLEASE consult your occupational therapist before trying any adaptations. Some specialized seating accommodations have contraindications to students with poor trunk stability or low muscle tone. Also, a child who is moving may not need MORE movement but less, more specific movement. These are things that can be observed by an occupational therapist and may need follow-up by a medical doctor.
Your occupational therapists are here to help you and your students. Please don’t hesitate to talk with us.
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