Occupational Therapy Newsletter
Volume 6
2009
December
Hand Fidgets
Fidgets are small tactile or touch
tools that provide sensory input or
engage the attention of a child
during quiet events. They allow a
child to attend to a special
activity without excessive talking
or movement.
Why We Fidget
Many people like to play with
objects or hand fidgets with their
fingers while they are thinking or
listening. Adults fidget with keys,
paper clips, and even their hair.
Doodling while talking on the
telephone is common. Children’s
fidgets are frequently taken away
because teachers fear they are
distracting and some are noisy.
In the Classroom
-Set rules and make sure it is used
as a tool and not a toy
-Provide objects in the classroom
or have children bring favorite
objects from home.
Fidget Ideas
-beanie-like toy
-putty
-balloons stuffed with flour or
sand
-stress balls
-small strip of velcro
-small porcupine balls
-coiled shoelace
Where to Buy
-Walgreens
-Oriental Trading Company
-Dollar stores
-Target and Walmart
-See your occupational therapist
for more ideas and catalogs