What is an energy thermometer for ADHD?

An energy thermometer is an ADHD tool that helps children assess and regulate their energy levels. It uses a 5-level scale to help kids identify where they stand (too low, just right, too high) and choose appropriate strategies to reach the ideal 'green zone' for feeling good and concentrating.

What are the 5 energy levels in the thermometer?

The 5 energy levels are: Level 1 (Very tired) - wanting to sleep, can't think straight, grumpy; Level 2 (Low energy) - yawning, not talking much, slow; Level 3 (Just right) - feeling good, can concentrate and listen; Level 4 (Very energetic) - fidgeting, trouble waiting, interrupting; Level 5 (Too much energy) - running around, talking very fast, can't stop.

What is the ideal energy level for learning?

Level 3 is the ideal energy level for learning. At this level, children feel good, can concentrate, and can listen effectively. It's described as the 'perfect zone' where kids are ready to learn.

How can children increase their energy levels?

To increase energy levels, children can try: jumping on the spot, drinking fresh water, getting fresh air, listening to dynamic music, eating a snack, or getting up and stretching. These strategies help move from low energy levels (1-2) toward the optimal level 3.

What strategies help lower high energy levels?

To lower high energy levels, children can: take deep breaths, practice muscle tensing and releasing, find a quiet retreat, listen to soft music, do coloring or drawing, or use a heavy blanket. These strategies help calm down from levels 4-5 to reach the optimal level 3.

How does the energy diary work?

The energy diary helps track energy levels at different times throughout the day. Children note their energy level (1-5) for morning, afternoon, and evening periods. This tracking helps identify patterns and understand when energy regulation strategies might be most needed.

Energy Thermometer Tool for ADHD

Energy Thermometer - ADHD Tool

📌 How do I use this tool?

Children with ADHD often have difficulty assessing their energy levels. This thermometer helps them identify where they stand (too low, just right, too high) and choose strategies to regulate themselves. The aim: to find the ideal "green zone" for feeling good and concentrating!

🌡️ The 5 energy levels

🚀

LEVEL 5 - Too much energy!

🏃 I run around 🗣️ I talk very fast 😵 I can't stop myself

🔽 I need to: Do intense physical activity, then gradually calm down

⚡

LEVEL 4 - Very energetic

🦵 I fidget a lot 😤 I have trouble waiting 💬 I cut off speech

🔽 I need to: Move a little, breathe, use a fidget

✅

LEVEL 3 - Just right! 🎯

😊 I feel good 🎯 I can concentrate 👂 I can listen

✨ It's the perfect zone! I'm going on like this, I'm ready to learn

😴

LEVEL 2 - Low energy

🥱 I yawn 😶 I don't talk much 🐌 I'm slow

🔼 I need to: Move around, drink water, get fresh air

💤

LEVEL 1 - Very tired

😪 I want to sleep 🧠 I can't think straight 😞 I'm grumpy

🔼 I need to : Rest or do an energizing activity

🤔 Where's my energy now?

🔄 Control strategies

How do I adjust my energy?

⬆️ To INCREASE my energy

Jumping on the spot
Drink fresh water
Fresh air
Listen to dynamic music
Eat a snack
Get up and stretch

⬇️ To LOWER my energy

Take a deep breath
Tightening-releasing my muscles
A quiet retreat
Listen to soft music
Coloring or drawing
Use a heavy blanket

📅 My energy diary

Note your energy level at different times

💡 Tips for speech therapists and parents

Help the child to self-assess several times a day at first
Level 3 is the target, but variations are normal
Identify the moments when energy is often too high or too low
Link specific strategies to each level
Use the diary to spot patterns

🖨️ Poster to print

🌡️ My Energy Thermometer

🚀 LEVEL 5 - Too much energy → Physical activity then calm
⚡ LEVEL 4 - Very energetic → Moving, breathing
✅ NIVEAU 3 - Just right! → Ideal zone 🎯 
😴 LEVEL 2 - Low energy → Move, water, fresh air
💤 LEVEL 1 - Very tired → Rest or activation