Integrating Fidget Packs into the Classroom: Strategies for Teachers
As a teacher, it is your role to make sure that you aid the learning and development of your students -- even the ones whose needs and requirements are different from the rest. True to this role, teachers nowadays are coming up with new and exciting ways to keep their lessons more engaging, making it a fruitful educational journey for children.
If you’re a teacher who handles children with special needs, then you might consider using fidget resources as an aid to help with the effectiveness of your lessons. Fidget toys offer tactile input to support regulation by occupying busy fingers. They can also assist in supporting motor development or cognitive skills.
With this, let’s explore a few ways to integrate fidget resources and fidget packs into your classroom!
What is a Fidget Toy or a Fidget Pack?
Before we get into how we can use them, it's really important to know what a fidget toy is and what's inside fidget packs. A fidget toy is a tactile tool that uses your sense of touch to stimulate activity. These are usually something like stress balls, fidget spinners, bumpy pads, and sensory toys, and fidget packs are usually a collection of one or many of these depending on the side.
These kinds of toys are especially beneficial for aiding the development of children with special needs. Fidget toys are made to give sensory experiences, which can help students control their energy and align their focus, making it easier for them to learn during activities..
Benefits of Fidget Packs
Enhanced Focus
Fidget packs offer a non-disruptive outlet for excess energy, allowing students to channel their focus on learning tasks.
Stress Reduction
The tactile stimulation provided by fidgets can reduce anxiety and stress levels, creating a more conducive learning environment.
Improved Engagement
Students who use fidget packs often exhibit increased engagement and participation in classroom activities.
Extending the benefits of fidget resources and fidget packs into the classroom significantly aids in managing students effectively while enhancing their learning experiences. As a teacher, incorporating these tools allows for better management of students' energy levels, promoting focused attention during lessons and activities.
Providing students with a means to regulate their sensory needs, such as through tactile stimulation or stress reduction, can make them engage more actively in learning tasks. This fosters a positive and memorable learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to participate. Ultimately, this will lead to improved academic outcomes and overall classroom dynamics -- helping the overall growth of your students.
Teacher discretion is recommended when using fidgets for optimal success. A good rule of thumb is for the fidget to be used as a “tool, not a toy” if the intended purpose is fidgets to be used for the above outcomes (improved engagement, support regulation, etc.)
Strategies for Integration for Teachers
Establish Clear Guidelines
Set clear expectations for when and how fidget packs can be used to ensure they enhance rather than distract from learning.
Encourage students to use fidgets discreetly and respectfully, emphasising their role as tools for focus.
Individualised Approach
Recognise that not all students will benefit from the same type of fidget. Allow students to choose fidgets that best suit their sensory needs. Work with students and parents to identify specific triggers or situations where fidget packs can be most beneficial.
Incorporate Fidget Breaks
Integrate scheduled fidget breaks into daily routines, giving students designated times to use their fidget packs. Use these breaks strategically, such as during transitions or long periods of seated work, to help students stay engaged.
Educate Students and Peers
Foster understanding among students about the purpose of fidget packs and how they can support learning. Educate other faculty members to promote acceptance and reduce the stigma around fidget tool usage in the classroom.
Monitor Effectiveness
Regularly assess the impact of fidget packs on student focus and behaviour. You can gather feedback from other students and observe changes in classroom dynamics.
Try to adjust strategies as needed based on individual student responses and overall classroom dynamics.
Ready to Start Exploring the Benefits of a Fidget Toy?
Integrating fidget packs into the classroom requires thoughtful planning and implementation.
By understanding their benefits and adopting tailored strategies, teachers can create inclusive learning environments where students can thrive. Embracing these tools as aids for focus and engagement can lead to positive outcomes for both students and educators alike.
It's also a smart option when you're not sure which fidget tools and resources are best for your child yet to look around first and introduce them to all the varied kinds of fidgets available. Help your students get excited to come to school and choose from a variety of fidget resources from The OT Store!
With lots of different resources to choose from, we're here to help you figure out which suits your child's needs best.
Order your fidget packs here, or if you want to search for more resources, we might have them on our website. Enjoy your fidget shopping at The OT Store!