Sitting still can be very difficult for most students, but students desiring a sensory input to help calm them, sitting and listening, is nearly impossible. By giving a kiddo who seeks tactile stimulation something to fidget with, you are letting their body calm so their brain can function. However, fidgeting in classrooms can sometimes be seen as disrespectful, as if the student is not listening, or that they have zoned out. In some kids, this is the case….like if you can’t walk and chew gum at the same time, you are probably one that can’t fidget and listen. BUT, if you find your child listens better when they are doing something with their hands, getting them appropriate, quiet, fidgets can be extremely helpful.
One of the first fidget toys I got was this Tangle Fidget Toy, and it ends up being my entire family’s number 1 favorite toy. Watching TV, talking to each other, whatever is happening in our house, someone has this toy in their hands. It is quiet (unless you pop the pieces off to change the colors, which is a no-no at school), versatile, and just plain calming. It’s so smooth and twisty and can be worn as a bracelet or thrown into a child’s backpack for anytime play.
If your child likes a rougher surface to touch with their fingers, they may enjoy this Marble Fidget Toy. My youngest is drawn to this fidget as he likes to feel the round marble moving back and forth in the netting. Kids can squish, pull, twist, and roll the marble in the netting. It’s also small and can easily be put in a child’s pocket or kept in their desk at school.
This Smiley Man Stretchy Toy is a perfect classroom fidget for kids who like pulling, rolling, and squishing things. This tiny guy can stretch so far, but beware, they do break easily, so purchasing this box of 24 is necessary.
One fidget toy I wish all schools had on all chairs is this Stretchy Resistance Fidget Bands. First, if a child’s feet do not touch the floor, they WILL swing their legs and possibly complain of back pain, or wanting to get up a lot because let’s face it….it’s uncomfortable. Second, kids are growing and their legs are fidgety. Instead of telling them to stop tapping their feet, put something quiet on their chair so they can bounce and concentrate. Ok, I’m done ranting. If you buy these, your school will more than likely let your child put it on their chair. They come in different resistant strengths, so buy and try what works for your child.
If you haven’t felt of a squishy, you are truly missing out. They mimic the feel of soft bread that when squished, and then they slowly rise, creating a calming visual stimulation. They come in a variety of sizes so depending on what the school will allow, and the size of the child’s desk, use caution when buying. This size of squishy animals is a good, palm size for kiddos. They can easily carry it in their pocket, bag, or keep it inside their desk for later. These jumbo squishies are a bit bigger, but are so soft and mesmerizing to watch rise. Of course, if you really want to get crazy, try this Colossal Pineapple Bun Bread.
One of the first fidgets that Whitney wore everyday, and continues to wear years later is this Mermaid Sequin Slap Bracelets. They are the most inconspicuous fidget that made her not feel weird in class, but completely helped her focus. The beautiful sequins flip back and forth and you can make designs in the bracelet. If you haven’t felt the smoothness of mermaid sequins, like squishies, you are truly missing out. I actually have a mermaid sequin phone case that I use myself, and if we are out and Whitney forgets her bracelet, she uses my phone case to help calm her.
For older kids, there is some beautiful fidget rings and that spin and offer tactile stimulation. These Cubic Zirconia Spinner Rings are pretty and offer tactile stimulation with the rThe Original Bike Chain Fidget Necklaceougher edges of the cubic zirconia. For a smoother finish and a band style ring, try this Rose Gold Stainless Steel Spinner Ring. It comes in a variety of colors. And for the boys, this Mens Spinner Ring is manly and stylish.
If you’re not much of a ring wearer, then try a fidget necklace. This Gear Pendant with Chain is sure to keep hands busy. Or this Infinity Rainbow Ring Pendant is beautiful and fun to play with. The Original Bike Chain Fidget Necklace is the one that got the wearable fidget industry started.
Try searching Amazon for a piece of jewelry sure to suit your needs and style.
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My son loves his “Stretchy Men.” Rachel’s Roost is correct, the arms do tear off somewhat easily. But, my kids then take the armless men and throw them up to the ceiling to see if they will stick. I know, sounds weird, but they love it. And one of them has been stuck on our ceiling for 3 months. My other son then took tooth picks and tried to give “stretchy man” a prosthetic. hahahahah. I’m sorry, you have to laugh sometimes. Future surgeon I suppose.