Fidget to Focus

In the Ask the Expert section of the November 2006 issue of ADDitude magazine, a woman wrote that her boss was opposed to her knitting during meetings. You wrote that she should try some other, perhaps more discrete, mindless activity to help her stay focused (see Staying Focused).

I found many mindless activities in my local dollar store!

Your book lists the Alert Program web site as a Resource. When I checked out the products there I discovered that at the dollar store I had purchased a reflex ball, similar to ones priced from $5.95 to $15.95 on the website, for–you guessed it–only $1.00!

I also wanted to add that The Atlas Pen and Pencil Co. sells bendable pencils, velvet pencils and other sensory-type writing tools on the web site ForTeachersOnly.com.

- Anne (from email)

I crochet everywhere. If my hands have a hook and yarn in them I can sit through college classes, lectures, church services, or anything. Not only do I just sit (an accomplishment in itself), I can listen and tune into what a speaker is saying AND keep my mouth shut. This accomplishments could be on the top ten miracles list!

Also, I’ve noticed less behavior problems in classes when you give add kids either playdough, a small rope and illustrations on “how to tie knots, paper to do oragami–any thing to keep their hands occupied. They seem to remember more and participate appropriately when they can do something.

- Jeannie (from email)