My Whirling Twirling Motor: questions to ask and activities to try
Charlie's motor runs fast all day, and he hears a lot about what he does wrong. My Whirling Twirling Motor moves the conversation from “being naughty” to understanding, and to what his energy is good at.
What age is it for? My Whirling Twirling Motor is best for ages 4–8. Good for: ADHD, movement, impulsivity and strengths.
My Whirling Twirling Motor (Merriam Sarcia Saunders)
- Age
- 4-8
- Best for
- ADHD, movement, impulsivity and strengths
This isn't an ADHD treatment, it's a way to talk about a child's experience of their own energy. Ask what Charlie's motor is really good at, as well as when it's hard, and say out loud the things your child gets right.
What it helps with
- Energy, movement and impulsivity
- ADHD and understanding a busy mind
- Noticing strengths, not just problems
- Building a child's confidence
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What things is Charlie's fast-moving motor really good at?”
- “How did Charlie feel when he heard “no” all day?”
- “What helped Charlie feel better at the end?”
- “When does your energy help you?”
- “When is it hard to slow down?”
- “What could help when your motor is running fast?”
5-minute activities to try together
Three things my energy is good at
Make a list together of three things your child's energy helps them do well.
Good-things list
At bedtime, name three things your child did well today, however small, before talking about anything that went wrong.
Free printables: My Whirling Twirling Motor worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
A Day With No Words (Tiffany Hammond)
- Best for
- Autism, AAC and communication without spoken words
- Age
- 4-8
The Invisible Boy (Trudy Ludwig)
- Best for
- Friendship, exclusion, quieter children and inclusion
- Age
- 5-8
A Friend for Henry (Jenn Bailey)
- Best for
- Autism, friendship and sensory/social differences
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 1 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.