It is not uncommon for young children to be bounding with energy. If you are a parent or a teacher in a therapeutic preschool program, you likely know this all too well! While an occasional case of the wiggles is manageable in a classroom, consistent difficulties with children can’t sit still can impact a child’s development and ability to learn. Even in a therapeutic preschool program, there are daily activities that require a child to sit still, including circle time or storytime.
In a therapeutic preschool setting, children may experience challenges sitting still as a result of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), sensory processing disorder, or other developmental delays. When children face challenges self-regulating, it can be extremely difficult to sit still and stay engaged during activities in a therapeutic preschool program.
Many therapeutic preschool programs offer pediatric occupational therapy (OT) services, which can be extremely effective for helping those children can’t sit still. In an OT session, the pediatric occupational therapist will work with the child to improve pivotal skills that are needed to complete their daily activities, such as sitting during circle time. This may include targeting motor skills and sensory integration. An OT may also communicate with the parents to learn more about the diet and sleep cycle of the child, as these factors can contribute to attention levels and self-regulation.
5 estrategias para ayudar a los niños a quedarse quietos en un programa terapéutico de preescolar:
Fidget toys: A pediatric occupational therapist might recommend that a child who has trouble sitting still in a therapeutic preschool program carry fidget toys during each activity. These toys can help them to focused during circle time or storytime.
Movimiento: Algunos niños sólo necesitan unos segundos para levantarse y moverse para interrumpir una actividad. Una breve pausa puede ayudar al niño a restablecerse y recuperar la concentración.
Chalecos con peso: Los niños con problemas sensoriales suelen beneficiarse de la presión profunda cuando necesitan concentrarse y autorregularse.
Tactile cushions: If a child has sensory issues and has difficulty sitting in the typical classroom chairs during activities, try using a tactile cushion with the chair.
Juguetes Z-Vibes/mordedores: Para los niños con problemas sensoriales orales, un juguete Z-Vibes o similar para masticar puede ayudar a un niño a mantenerse ocupado en una actividad en la que tiene que permanecer sentado.
Dependiendo de las capacidades y necesidades específicas de cada niño que no puede quedarse quieto, pueden funcionar mejor unas estrategias que otras. Dado que los programas de preescolar terapéutico suelen tener una baja proporción de alumnos por profesor, lo que permite a los profesores dedicar un tiempo individual a los niños que requieren apoyo adicional con las habilidades de desarrollo.
If you think your child would benefit from a therapeutic preschool program in Chicago, contact CST Academy at 773-620-7800 to learn more about our program, which incorporates ABA therapy, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services.
