Working to a Sit

If you have been following Little Geniuses for a while, you know my style isn't about getting a child to sit down right away for learning. It is not about "lesson time" or any other method that seems like a formal setting. However, we all know that in the end, they need to be comfortable and able to sit down and work in the end so they can in a school setting.

It is hard for a child to have the free roam of a daycare or at home and then all of a sudden they are expected to sit still for longer periods that do not involve food or digital media to keep them entertained. Even many adults struggle to sit in a chair and concentrate on a task without distraction. Preschool is important not just for the learning of the ABC's, 123's, colors, etc. (which I hope you are teaching before then) it's important because it gets the child accustomed to a classroom environment.

Try to imagine going to a conference or a class in college and you constantly get up, spin your chair or move around. Would you expect everything was said? Absolutely not! Removing distractions from yourself so one can focus and achieve is what you are doing for your child.

Even if your child is already in school, it is beneficial that we work with our kids so the distraction of needing to move is taken away or reduced. So in order to do that, let's start with techniques to work on before we use lessons:

1. At mealtimes and snack, work at getting your child to sit on their "pockets" with legs down. Standing, kneeling, or getting up repeatedly is a habit that will roll into school habits or lessons with you. You know the mealtime is what they need to focus on, just like a lesson is what they will need to focus on later.

2. During media time such as tv or tablet time, introduce proper sitting. Standing or walking on the chair, rolling around, and other habits can usually be remedied by sitting next to them. Try putting your arm around them as an embrace and interact with the show along with them. After a show or a time, try to get up and see how well they sit. If they get to moving, try again for a while.

3. Introduce a single chair at times they usually move the most. Place plastic kids chair in front of the couch and allow them to sit in it to watch their show. When there is no place to stand or roll like a typical couch, they typically will remain seated and still.

4. Introduce an activity at the table such as a new puzzle, coloring, or craft time. If your kids do not have a kids table, a kitchen table will work fine, however I would encourage you to give your child a space to work. The more frequent they use it, the better and more willing they will be to sit and work.

5. Do activities with them at their table. Don't just sit your child down with something and walk away if they aren't used to sitting still for very long. Complete a puzzle, color together, make patterns or counting with a snack, etc. When the get into the work, you can step away for a while and come back if needed.

6. Reward! When you child sits still in a restaurant, on the couch, or wherever they typically wiggle a lot, let them know you're proud! Whether it's high praise, a simple piece of candy, a sticker, or whatever works for you, let them know they are doing a great job!

Does your child move a lot? How did this work for you? Let me know!