Fidgets benefits in the classroom

The use of fidgets has been proven to be extremely beneficial in improving school performance for students. “Distractions and inattention decreased when using the stress ball or fidgets during both direct instruction and independent practice. The students’ writing scores increased by 2% compared to the previous grading period” (Kriescher, 2020).

It is a tool that, if well-used, can increase occupational performance for students in the class by increasing attention and focus. It can also facilitate self-regulation by increasing tactile awareness (proprioceptive input) through the fingers and hands. Fidgets are calming, help relieve stress, and can be a distraction in an overstimulating environment.

Fidgets can be incorporated into a fun craft activity like the one below.

It is also important to understand that students need to be educated on the proper use of fidgets as a self-regulation tool to use in the classroom, not as a toy that will be distracting.

 

Pizza Party Fun

                             

My COTA intern and students invited Mr. Handwriting and Ms. Scissors to a Pizza Party. The students were able to create things-to-do lists or write invitations for the party. After, they cut out pizza pieces from construction paper to create their own pizza slices. This activity addressed fine motor coordination, bilateral coordination, peer-group participation, and communication skills.

This activity addressed the students' handwriting legibility (modify by starting with a sentence prompt or using Where, What, Why, When, and Who questions). Additionally, the students' scissor skills were also addressed by cutting out simple and complex shapes (modify by changing the complexity of the shapes).