Occupational therapists likes Kati Berlin often have suggestions for home and school life.
A fidget is a small object, like a koosh ball, stress ball, pencil, keychain, bracelet, paper clip, eraser, or small toy, that can be beneficial for helping a child pay attention in school, focus a need to move, or deal with anxiety. They are objects that can be pulled, squeezed or moved around with your hands or fingers while paying attention and looking at the teacher. Fidgets can be helpful for kids with ADHD, sensory processing disorders, or anxiety during classroom time or at home.
Before sending a fidget to school with your child, you should ask the teacher for permission. Fidgets shouldn’t be used as an additional method of distraction & children need to know that there are rules.
Fidget Rules:
– One is that you shouldn’t need to look at the fidget while you use it because then you won’t be able to pay attention in class.
– You shouldn’t try to get your friends to pay attention to your fidget either, because the other kids are trying to learn.
– It shouldn’t be thrown or dropped, it needs to stay on your desk or in your hands.
– Another suggestion is to keep your fidget in your pocket so that you know where it is.
If you are looking for help for your child with school related concerns in Charlotte, consult with an educational specialist or occupational therapist at Child & Family Development.
