I decided to update my fidget collection recently and now I'm so proud of the assortment I could cry. I may even carry them ALL with me to all of my sessions. In light of all my new fidgets I thought I would talk a little about them!
Fidgets are things that children can use to help with focus and attention in the classroom, while at home, or while out in public. The kiddos that would benefit from a fidget are the kiddos who are constantly touching others, touching objects around the classroom/home, and generally having a tough time keeping their hands to themselves. By giving them something to touch, they tend to keep their hands to themselves and won't need to seek out the touch sensation.
***My fidget rules are simple, they stay in your hand, they are not thrown. If they become a distraction or are thrown, you will lose your privileges for the time being. I usually have a child repeat these rules back to me so that we're both on the same page. Once the ground rules are placed, we go about picking out the perfect fidget!***
1. Hedgehog Rings (green, orange, and blue spiked rings)- these can be squeezed and chewed, depending on the child's needs. For any fidget that goes in the mouth, I always make sure to go over the expectations of use and clean up. It's always best to make sure everyone is on the same page, so make sure the child can repeat the expectations back!
https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Flexible-Anxiety-Promotes-Children/dp/B06ZZ45PL4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524528664&sr=8-1&keywords=hedgehog+ring+sensory&dpID=5189ngWlbNL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
2. DNA Stress Balls (clear fidgets with small, colored balls inside)- these can be squeezed and rolled in your child's hands. I used one today and just rolled it around in my hands while I was playing a game, I felt it was pretty effective!
https://www.amazon.com/Stress-Relief-Squeezing-Sensory-Anxiety/dp/B079FN4Q1Y/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1524528819&sr=8-9&keywords=dna+ball+stress+toy
3. Tangles (plastic rope circles in the upper left hand side)- these are plastic and can be rolled and twisted, these are great for circle time or while standing in line. If your child likes to be "rough" with the fidgets, these may not be for you.
https://www.amazon.com/NANAHouse-Sensory-Relieves-Anxiety-Attention/dp/B077Y1LS35/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1524529174&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=tangle+toy&psc=1
4. Mesh Marble Fidgets, Bike Chain Fidget, String Fidget, and Twist Puzzles (the green mesh stick, the yellow and blue metal chain, blue string/noodle, and orange and white plastic toy)- these I ordered in a package. I like these because they're subtle and can be used effectively in circle time and while standing or walking in a line. The bike chain fidget I actually use on a regular basis, it's soothing and helps calm my nerves. (I'm a serial earring, ring, and necklace fidgeter so this has been a great alternative.)
https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Stress-Squeeze-Relaxing-Therapy/dp/B076P6ZQHT/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524529209&sr=8-3&keywords=fidgets&dpID=51%252BB46PkYqL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
5. Mesh Squish Ball (blue and green balls with black mesh)- these can be squeezed and provide a visual component that can help calm kiddos down. If a child is becoming upset, this may be a good strategy to help defuse a meltdown!
https://www.amazon.com/Sensory-Strechy-Strings-Stretches-Squishy/dp/B078RCR9Z5/ref=sr_1_44?ie=UTF8&qid=1524529688&sr=8-44&keywords=sensory+fidget+ball
6. YoYa Stretchy Ball (bright pink ball)- these are great because they're durable. They can be squeezed and pulled and will always go back to their normal shape (after you let it go for a second or two).
https://www.amazon.com/Stretch-Squeeze-Stress-YoYa-Toys/dp/B01LYCXQNI/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1524529873&sr=8-10&keywords=sensory+ball
The others I bought at the dollar section in Target. I unfortunately don't know their names. Finding a good fidget can be tough and I hope this has helped!
Happy Fidgeting! Enjoy!