Episode 82: The Benefits of Sensory Fidgets

Did you know that a very high percentage of all humans fidget.  I challenge you to think of someone...a colleague, a spouse, a friend, or maybe even yourself.. and you will probably see people bouncing their legs up and down, turning pens over and over in their hands, chewing on things, doodling, picking at their lower lips, pulling at their beard, twisting their hair, popping their knuckles – and doing these things completely unconsciously.

What if fidgeting with an object helps a person stay focused when doing a long task or sitting still and being attentive? What if it was seen as a positive thing?

As special educators, we often give our students with ADHD and sensory processing disorders benefit fidgets but on today’s episode I wanted to dig into this a little deeper and learn about the actual benefits sensory fidgets play in the lives of our students. 

Today’s guest is Alexis Welch from the TPT store and blog The Peachy Speducator and I can’t wait for you to hear this episode. Alexis shares the benefits of sensory fidgets for students who need that type of multi-sensory input  and gives us ideas on  types of fidgets, personal preferences and so much more.

Alexis and I discuss:

• The benefits sensory fidgets provide to students
• What makes a good fidget toy
• Some of the foundational skills students need to have 
• What a special educator should say to a general education teacher who says they are just toys and not needed
• How to know what fidgets each student prefers
• Recommendations for fidgets

Mentioned in the show:

10-Step Guide to Begin Creating a TEAM Culture With Your Staff

Amazon fidgets:

Fidget Variety Pack

Stretch Fidget Strings

Spiky Ball 10 Pack

Fidget Cube

App Store:

Search “sensory fidget no anxiety” - available for iPhone and iPad

Sensory Diet Planning Guide from Sped Prep Academy



Connect with Alexis!
www.thepeachyspeducator.com

https://www.instagram.com/thepeachyspeducator/

https://www.facebook.com/ThePeachySpeducator

https://www.facebook.com/g

Follow Jennifer
Instagram
TPT