"Sit still. Quiet hands. Look at me."
In classrooms everywhere, students are taught that "listening" looks a certain way. But what about the child who listens best while moving?
How do you explain to a class that a student isn't being disruptive—they are just speaking a different language?
Words That Wiggle is not just a story; it is a peer-to-peer teaching tool designed to bridge the gap between neurodivergent and neurotypical children. Through the eyes of Benny, students learn to decode the movements of their classmates, turning confusion into connection.
Why This Book Is Different. While many books focus on general acceptance, Words That Wiggle gives children and educators a concrete shared vocabulary to understand specific behaviors. It moves beyond vague themes of kindness and offers practical "translations" for real-world classroom scenarios:
The Pacing Panther: Teaches peers that walking isn't wandering—it’s "hunting" for an answer.
The Motorboat: Explains that rocking isn't "weird"—it’s dropping an anchor to stay steady.
The Safe Cave: Shows that covering ears isn't rude—it’s a way to turn down the volume.
A Resource for Inclusive Classrooms. This book empowers students to become allies. It includes "Dr. H’s Teacher Tips" on the pages, offering on-the-spot science to help adults explain sensory needs to the class.
Perfect for the first week of school, Morning Meeting discussions, and any home where siblings process the world differently.
Stop correcting the wiggles. Start understanding the words.
Themes: Neurodiversity Education, Peer Inclusion, Empathy, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), ADHD & Autism Awareness/Acceptance