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 — ADHD Tool | DYNSEO

🧠 ADHD TOOL — REGULATION

My Energy Thermometer
DYNSEO

Assessing and regulating my energy level to find the ideal learning zone.

✨ DYNSEO Member — Automatic saving and printing unlocked

🌡️

No changes

📌 How to use this tool?

Children with ADHD often struggle to assess their energy level. This thermometer helps them identify where they are (too low, just right, too high) and choose strategies to regulate. The goal: find the ideal "green zone" to feel good and focused!

🌡️ The 5 energy levels

🚀

LEVEL 5 — Too much energy!

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

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

⚡

LEVEL 4 — Very energetic

🦵 I fidget a lot😤 I find it hard to wait💬 I interrupt

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

✅

LEVEL 3 — Just right! 🎯

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

✨ This is the ideal zone! I keep going, I'm ready to learn

😴

LEVEL 2 — Low energy

🥱 I yawn😶 I don't talk much🐌 I'm slow

🔼 I need to: Move, drink water, get some 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 energising activity

🤔 Where is my energy right now?

🔄 Regulation strategies

How to adjust my energy?

⬆️ To INCREASE my energy

Jump on the spot
Drink cold water
Get some fresh air
Listen to upbeat music
Have a small snack
Stand up and stretch

⬇️ To LOWER my energy

Breathe deeply
Squeeze and release my muscles
Find a quiet spot
Listen to soft music
Do colouring or drawing
Use a weighted blanket

📅 My energy journal

Record your energy level each day

📝 Notes from the speech therapist / parents

💡 Tips for the speech therapist and parents

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