Classroom fidget ideas

McAlister on Instagram: "Didn't like any of the fidget rules or expectations I found online so I made my own 🤷🏼‍♀️ Some of my least favorite and most perplexing rules that I saw while searching, and how I would replace them: . "Look at the teacher, not at the fidget."--> Look wherever you need to remain engaged in the lesson. . "Using a fidget is a privledge." -->Using tools to support your learning is a right. . "Fidgets should not make noise." -->Fidgets should be quiet enough that they…

When kids are working on handwriting tasks, they sometimes show difficulties with attention, focus, or legibility due to heavy pencil pressure, tearing of paper, or smudged pencil lines. Kids may have sensory needs while sitting at a desk as they are required to attend, or they might have typically developed sensory systems and show typical signs of fidgeting during classroom ... Read more

This oobleck stress ball feels SO COOL! We had a great time learning how to make oobleck last year, and this stress ball version offers all the fun without the mess. Simply fill a balloon with cornstarch and water to make this DIY craft that's great for relieving tension! When you squeeze the ball hard, the oobleck stress ball feels a bit similar to a flour stress ball. But if you gently poke at it or let it sit in your hand you can really experience the unique oobleck texture. It's such a…

I know I am not alone when I say that I struggle to sit through staff meetings without doodling on my paper, shifting in my seat, getting up to use the bathroom and occasionally whispering with my teacher friend next to me. Now, these are every other week, and only for an hour. Every time I leave, I […]

Quiet fidget tools for kids in the classroom to help with attention, fidgeting, or sensory needs. #fidgetspinner #fidget #occupationaltherapy #attention #schoolbasedOT #sensory

We all do it... we tap our pencil, we twist our ring, we doodle on our paper. Me? I stir (or swirl) my coffee. I may not even take a drink, I just fidget with the cup. Fidgeting can help us focus. As adults, we have learned to keep our fidgeting discrete. However, many students need help to find an appropriate way to get their wiggles out during work time. When I think of the perfect fidget for in the classroom 2 things come to mind. 1. It needs to work for the person using it. If it doesn't…

Foot fidgets are under the desk discreet sensory tools to provide organization without distraction. Check out several different ideas!

Ready to incorporate fidget widgets into your classroom management plan? Some of my favorite fidgets include: Twist and Lock Blocks Tangles Silly Putty (or get the dollar store version here) Koosh Balls Puffer Balls Stress balls (also at many dollar stores -- or ask local businesses to donate them!) Foam balls Porcupine balls Chenille craft stems (otherwise known as pipe cleaners) Mini bean bags Kneadable Erasers (aka: artists' eraser putty) Coil keychains If you're on a tight classroom…

What are fidget spinners and toys? Basically, a fidget toy is a pocket-sized device you can discreetly pull out and spin, twist, or otherwise manipulate. Proponents of fidget toys claim that they relieve stress and help students focus. Others say it simply distracts. Either way, they're fun, and, like "Brain Breaks," can provide a needed break Read More »