Top ten fidget toys | New & Outstanding Fidgets for the classroom
When you look inside an elementary school student's backpack, you'll likely find things like fidget spinners, fidget cubes, or silicone poppers. These are small toys that have become really popular, especially among young kids.
These toys come in lots of different designs and they're all about how they make you feel. Some make you feel things when you touch them, some when you look at them, and some even make sounds when you play with them.
Today, I want to tell you about my top 10 fidget toys. They might seem like just fun toys, but some experts think they can actually help with some important stuff. I've used these toys with my students, and the one that works best depends on what you need. It's good to have a variety of them for different needs: some you can touch, some you can look at, and some that make noise.
BENEFITS OF FIDGET TOYS IN YOUR CLASSROOM
Fidget toys might be especially helpful for kids who have things like anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or autism. For kids with autism, these toys might give their senses the right kind of input to help them feel better and act better.
Some studies even say that fidgeting could be a way our bodies help us stay focused and not get too bored. Instead of being a sign of not paying attention, it might be our brains' way of keeping us just interested enough.
Fidgeting could also help us handle stress. When people did a stressful test, the ones who fidgeted more actually felt less stressed.
And there's even some research that says fidgeting could help us burn a few extra calories. So, it might be good for our health too!
For kids with autism, fidgeting might be their way of dealing with how they sense the world around them. Sometimes, they might be really sensitive to things like sounds or textures, and fidgeting could be a way to help with that.
So, the idea of using fidget toys to help with these things makes sense. But when we look at the science, it's not so clear-cut. Some experts say it's still a bit of a mystery whether these toys really work for everyone.
So, if you want to try these toys to help with focus, stress, or anything else, it's a good idea to talk to someone who knows about this stuff, like an occupational therapist. They can help you find the right fidget toy that suits your needs.
And remember, everyone is different, so what works best for one person might not work for another. So, it's okay to experiment and find what works best for you. Whether it's a squishy ball, a spinner, or something else entirely, fidget toys can be a fun way to help you feel better and stay focused. Before we go into my favorite fidget toys for the classroom, we shouldn’t forget that our special students also need Visual Schedules. I wrote a blog earlier about how to use bi-lingual daily visual schedules in the classroom.
MY TOP TEN FIDGET TOYS FOR THE CLASSROOM
Fidget Fun Pack - This is my top pick because teachers get more bang for their buck. It's not just a collection of toys; it's a versatile set that offers something for kids of all ages, from toddlers to pre-teens. The variety is fantastic, with Mochi Squishies, Fidget Spinners, Bubble Poppers, Sensory Rings, and so much more packed into this package. This could be all you need in a sensory area.
Fidget Brain Teasers - The first time I saw a version of this was from my son’s kindergarten teacher. You will receive 24 pcs maze puzzle cubes with different designs, each with difficulty, solve one to continue to the next, suitable for the needs of people of all ages. They will have fun solving each puzzle. They are really cool to look at, and I notice our visual students love looking deep inside each cube.
Sticky Confetti Stress balls - 4 different styles colorful fidget toy stress balls are perfect for physical and emotional stress relief.
Kinetic Metallic Flip Fidget - This is a new one, and meets more than one need. It is fun to play with and entertaining to watch. It is a kinetic desk toys are a super-practical tool that makes some eye-catching and entertaining tricks.
LED Fidget wrist toys - A few years ago one of our occupational therapists provided these gadgets to our kiddos on the spectrum. They are not the most durable, but they are affordable and very entertaining.
Maze Ball - I bought this one last last year for a student, and for my own kids to use at home. It is a bit more pricey than other fidgets, but I recommend purchasing this fidget ball because it is durable. No matter how many times your kids drop it or throw it, it won’t break.
Gravity Marble Maze - My son played this fidget type game and loved it. It is like a marble run, but you stack cubes on top of each other. It's educational and inspires creativity, making it a great choice for kids. Kids really become engrossed in this toy.
LED Poppit fidget Toy - We are used to seeing these poppit fidgets, but this toy takes it one step further because it incorporates some cool features. This bubble-popping fidget toy upgrades the early older simple bubble toys with innovative LED lights and game audio. Just press the lighting bubbles fast. Kids will easily play with the Pop up puzzle game controller and get fun, while sensory, focus and concentration, hand-eye coordination, and brain memory will be trained and developed during the speed challenge.
Spinning LED Poppit Fidget - I love this one! It is a poppit but when you spin it, the LED lights up. Popper ball will emit a dazzling light after rotating or lightly taps, especially attracting the attention of people.
3D Chewable Poppit Fidget Necklace - Last but not least, these chewable poppit necklaces are handy for students who tend to put things in their mouths and have problems spitting. They can also be used alongside social stories to address related spitting behaviors.
