Case
Jumpy Students

We have a couple of students who can't seem to stay in their seat when it's instructional time. We have tried doing a dance movement time between each instructional time and we tried yoga time to try and calm them down. What are some ways you keep your students in their seats?

Solution #1
What I would do in this circumstance, would be to offer a different type of seating arrangement. I've seen a lot of teachers help students who cannot stay still by placing exercise bands across the legs of their chairs so the student can bounce their feet while working. This is not near as much of a distraction as a child jumping up and down out of their chair. Another idea is to use a different chair, such as a chair with a yoga ball in it, so they can move, yet sit in place.

I think having a different seating chart could be good.

Solution #2
Dance movement activities in between instructional activities is actually a great idea. It’s fun for all students, and helps release hyper students’ energy very quickly. However, that doesn’t fix the issue entirely, it’s sort of a band aid. Not all classes will do this activity, so this doesn’t help fix the behavior. You could try giving them a stress ball to squeeze and try to implement your rules more strongly. Meaning, you create an environment that emphasizes good behavior and reward it accordingly.

I agree, even though it can be a good temporary fix, it will not solve the issuse.

Solution #3
I would see if you could do some sort of "brain break" during the day. During one of my internships, the teacher would let the students run around outside for a few laps, play educational games, or play with toys. This way they can get some of their energy out.

I think playing with toys is a great way, some stress ball or fidget.

Solution #4
I would give students the option to stand and complete their work. Some students cant sit still for extended periods of time and that is ok. Have clipboards so that students who need to stand can still complete their work.
Solution #5
Maybe you could try hands under your behind! Helps sitting and so they dont play with future materials.
Solution #6
I have seen some teachers offer open seating and one of the 'seating' options they provide is for students to stand at a table. Some students have ADHD and cannot sit still. I think as long as they are paying attention and not disrupting class then let them wiggle a little bit.
Solution #7
Fidget toys have been somewhat controversial, but providing a stress ball or something similar may be beneficial as long as there are boundaries in place. Students should be made aware that it's not meant to be a distraction and if it becomes a disturbance then it'll need to be removed.
Solution #8
Maybe try to do the yoga or dance moves more frequently or for a longer period of time.
Solution #9
Try putting a work out band on the legs of their desks so that they have something to do with their feet while they are seated. It might be a slight distraction at first but once they get used to it, it might help them stay seated.
Solution #10
Relay this information to the parents to try and understand if this is behavior isolated to your classroom, or if this is normal behavior. It’s possible the student may have a diagnosable condition. If the student is neuro-typical, then the orevious comment about excercise bands may be helpful
Solution #11
If I had a jumpy student that likes to move around instead of being in their seat I would to incorporate things they can help with in the classroom that involves moving around. For example, you can have that student pass out worksheet assignments to students that way he or she is already up and moving around.
Solution #12
Something that I would is try to get them excited about the work they are preparing to do, then give them a time limit to do it in so it motivates them to get it done in a timely manner. You could also tell them that if they get this done in the time given to them, then they could be a teacher's helper and do special tasks such as go grab papers from the copier for the teacher. You must make each aspect sound so enticing that they are sure to do it.
Solution #13
Potentially try to implement some flexible seating time into the classroom. This can be run seats, mats, bean bag chairs, etc. Students have the opportunity to earn flexible seating for good behavior and also potentially during independent work or certain centers.
Solution #14
First it is important to try and identify the reasoning and potential cause of the students inability to sit still or urge to move during class. from there the teacher must asses and analyze their situation before providing with an action.

I think finding a reason would be a good first step.

Solution #15
I would try more positive and negative reinforcement. Students who are seated properly should be praised or rewarded, while the opposite for students who are not. Hopefully, this will ripple effect into students staying seated properly.

Positive and negative reinforcement is a good idea.