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Do you know a child who seems to always have something in their hands? They’re always touching something? Does this child seem to need extra help staying focused during activities? If so, I think I have some sensory hacks to help you focus any fidgety child. To celebrate the launch of Project Sensory, I thought it would be really helpful to do a mini-series of Sensory Hacks that could be used to help with many of the difficult behaviors that are often linked to sensory needs. A couple weeks ago, I shared some sensory hacks for the angry child, which continues to be extremely popular. I hope you like these ideas just as much!
When I was in the classroom, I always had those kids! You know the ones. They touch everything. While I was teaching they would tie and untie their shoes 15 times, or tug on the little girls hair that sat in front of them. Better yet, some of them would tap their pencils while the rest of the class was diligently working.
At home, its not different. My oldest son (9) has to have something in his hands at all times. He needs to pull, stretch, squeeze and move his fingers at all times. If he is not fidgeting his fingers, they go straight to his mouth. That’s why over the last few years I have made it a point to find and collect simple, easy to make sensory hacks for a fidgety child.
Sensory Hacks for Fidgety Fingers
If you have a fidgety kid, you might have already researched the best fidgets on the market. You might have even purchased a few that you love. I know we have this hand fidget and we love it and take it everywhere. However, sometimes you need something that doesn’t cost money. You need something that doesn’t matter if your kiddo loses it (because you are quite sure they will), and you need more than one thing!
Use Nuts and Bolts to make a simple hand fidget kids can keep in their pockets or at their desks.
Even the most novice seamstress can whip up a simple Fabric Maze using just a little bit of fleece and a marble!
I know we have our fair share of Dollar Store sensory balls, but what about making your very own Sensory Balls?
Have you ever thought of making Hand Fidgets out of pipe cleaners? Yes they can be that easy!
I absolutely love the simplicity of this Shredded Paper Ball.
Bead Slides are great for fidgety fingers during read-alouds and under the desk during instruction.
When I was in the classroom, we used to add Velcro Strips under the table and on the chairs to help with the need to touch!
We have recently started using a drop of Peace and Calming essential oil before any seated work.
Sensory Hacks for Fidgety Feet
Add bands on the bottom of chairs with bungee cords for kids to have something to fidget their feet on.
When I went to a friends classroom, I saw that she had added a pool noodle to the bottom of the chair with a rope and I thought it was a brilliant way to get those wiggles out while sitting.
More Sensory Resources For Kids that Fidget
Are you still looking for more resources to help with your fidgeter? Knowing and understanding the why behind the fidgeting is KEY in helping your child! I highly recommend the following links and resources to help you find answers and solutions! Remember, there are usually many reasons a child fidgets and understanding those signals and reasons is incredibly important.
5 Ways to Teach a Kid that Fidgets | Lemon Lime Adventures
What is a Fidget Toy | Inspired Treehouse
The Real Reason Kids Fidget | Timbernook
What is a Fidget Toy | Inspired Treehouse
The Real Reason Kids Fidget | Timbernook
http://lemonlimeadventures.com/sensory-hacks-focus-fidgety-child/
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