It constantly amazes me how less than a minute can change focus, physical abilities and ultimately oneâs success. Carla Hannaford, PhDÂ calls these attention-getters micro-interventions in her book Smart Moves: Why Learning is Not All in Your Head (2005); they are my favorite tool to use in the classroom when a full five step balance may not be possible. I want to tell you about three boys ten to fourteen years old who are being empowered to use micro-interventions to support their learning.
Focus by stretching
One guy is loving the Lengthening Activities from the Brain GymÂŽ program. The other day he asked me to show him the âleg thingâ (The Calf Pump) that I had done with another child. Yesterday, his hands hurt from writing so he learned a new strategy, Rings and Bracelets from Vision Gym. These have been added to his âmenuâ that includes The Owl, Arm Activation, The Cross Crawl and PACE.
Going outdoors to focus
Another young man who is easily distracted was offered a table and the quiet outdoors to complete his assignment. Voila! The change in scenery and non-distracting environment allowed him to complete the work and get rewarded with a run across the yard. He was thrilled as were the educators in his life!
fidgets for focus
A third guy simply needed a fidget in his hands to allow the rest of his body to relax, listen and attend to the lesson. A stress ball, koosh ball, or even a spiral keyring are wonderful, yet quiet, fidgets. This childâs teacher gave the other guys in class a fair try at playing with the fidget and discovered it distracted those who didnât âneedâ it while the one who benefited the most was able to focus when his hands were moving.
I am so blessed to work in an environment that is open to individuality. These kids are finding success and blossoming! Stay tuned as my list of micro-interventions grows!
