According to the National Education Association, "movement, when channeled correctly, can actually enhance learning." Many students have an easier time sitting at their desks if they are allowed to figdet with discreet devices such as stress balls, footrests or squeeze toys. Using an exercise ball instead of a traditional chair can be another effective strategy to manage excessive movement. If your classroom climate permits more obvious strategies, allow students to stand or pace at the back of the room as needed (where they won't be visually distracting to others). Students may also prefer to complete their work standing at a counter or stretched out on the floor. Monitor your struggling students -- when they are nearing their limit, invite them to run an errand to the office or hand out supplies.
Some students are better motivated by incentives. For such children, break each day or period into managable chunks and keep a progress chart with stickers, happy faces or check marks on the child's desk. The chart itself can be a reward -- students may be proud to take it home and show their parents -- or a completed chart could be traded in for a special treat like computer time or extended recess.
Some students have difficulty sitting still because they aren't engaged by the lesson. Make sure the child is working at an appropriate level -- frustration or boredom can manifest similar symptoms. Similarly, if the child's behavior warrants extra attention, it's worth spending that time getting to know the child as an individual. Find out about his interests so you can build them into lessons and hopefully increase his attentiveness.
Parents need to know if their child's inability to sit still in class is affecting their success. Sending a daily communication folder back and forth is a common way to keep parents connected. Many parents will also support your work in the classroom by offering suggestions that work during evenings and weekends, reinforcing your expectations or demonstrating interest in notes or charts their child brings home.
If behavior management strategies aren't working and excessive movement continues to be a distraction, consider recommending an evaluation by a school psychologist or the child's physician. While most children struggle at times with the limits of a school setting, a few children have conditions such as ADHD which, if untreated, can prevent them from meeting academic expectations. According to KidsHealth, as many as 8 to 10 percent of children are affected.