Fidgets

Different pupils have different needs, so it’s important to consider and try out fidgets until you find the right one. Some may be too visually interesting and distracting, and noisy ones may not be popular with teachers and carers. Here are a few pointers to help you get the best out of using finger fidgets. Talk to your class or individual pupils about what the fidgets are aimed to do. Let them try out and experience different pieces and explore which ones they find satisfying to hold. Remember that the idea of using a fidget means:

• Still listening and concentrating while your fingers fidget.
• Not using the fidget to distract others around you.
• Fidgets which are not used properly will go back in the box.
• Popular fidgets will be shared out and taken in turns by everyone who wants to use them. Ask your class if the fidgets helped. Give pupils some responsibility in deciding whether to use them and learn to regulate their attention and have strategies to use.