Fidgets in the Classroom Presented by: Pam Daniels- FSD1 Autism/OHI Resource Sarah Folkens- FSD1 Autism Consultant

Gerry Brooks on Fidget Spinners  Spinner be Gone

What is a fidget? Self-regulation tool- helps with calming, focus, attention, and active listening Mindfulness- limits the extra sensory input in the environment Fidgets come in all shapes, textures, and sizes. Examples- stress balls, tangles, squigglets, sensory bottles, etc

Which students need fidgets? Males are three times more likely to be diagnosed than females Average age of diagnosis is 7yrs old Symptoms appear between the ages of 3-6 English speaking households 4 times more likely than ESL households Children living in households less than two times the federal poverty level @ higher risk ($24,600 for a family of 4) SC ranks #5 (tied w/Delaware) as having one of the highest percentage rates of children ages 4-17 with ADHD http://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/facts-statistics-infographic#4

Which students need fidgets? About 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with Autism. Boys are 4 to 5 times more likely than girls to be affected by autism. Have siblings with autism. Commonly occurs with other developmental disorders Babies born extremely preterm (26 weeks or earlier) Children of older parents Affects all races, ethnicities, and social groups Financial affects can be up to 27% less income for families Mothers stay home with children Mothers working outside of the home earn 39% less than mothers without autistic children Fathers with autistic children tend to work 46 hrs/wk compared to other fathers working 44 hrs/wk http://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/news/20110511/child-with-autism-may-affect-family-income#1

How can I tell if fidgets will work with my students? Things to look for: Constant need to get out of seat Needs bathroom breaks often Taps pencil Beats on desk Squirms in seat Fidgets with hands Rummages through backpack/desk Needs repeated directions Impulsive Have sensory issues Do you call them down constantly???? Hmm….This may be the child 

How can fidgets help? If movement is directed then learning is enhanced. Allows children to settle while alerting them to listen and focus Helps the brain filter out extra sensory information in order to concentrate Fidgets in a classroom

How do I introduce fidgets to the classroom? Introduce the fidgets and talk about how they are used. Have students explore their sensory preferences (What do they like/dislike?) Make a sensory list and gather materials for your students’ specific needs. Let the students help create fidgets for classroom use so they take ownership. Create a sensory kit contract What can be used during learning activities? What can be used during breaks? What are your rules? (Do they need permission or may they get materials as needed?)

Sensory Contract & Sensory Preferences

When do I let my students use them? During group time Quiet time Specific lessons Independent work Examples: Chewing gum during class/independent work Standing to do work or read Theraputty while doing math, etc Stress balls while doing reading Activ Stool for those that can’t be still in their seat while working

Classroom Friendly Fidgets Fidgets should be effective for concentration and easily fit into the classroom environment without disruption. Classroom Friendly Fidgets: Safe Small Quiet Inexpensive Doesn’t distract others

Make & Take STRESS BALLS: You will need 3 balloons of the same size (not water balloons) Choose your filling. Place a funnel in the neck of one of the balloons and pour filling in. (DO NOT clog the neck.) Tie the neck of balloon. Use scissors to cut off a small portion of the neck. Take the second balloon and cut off a small piece of the neck, then fit around the first balloon. Take the third balloon and repeat step 6. Now you have your STRESS ball!!! NO MORE STRESS!!!

Cited Research http://www.friendshipcircle.org/blog/2011/10/31/fidgets-what-are-they-and-how-can- they-help/ http://kathygriffinteach.blogspot.com/2014/07/using-fidgets-to-help-with-attention.html http://www.wifamilyties.org/year2009/fidgets.pdf http://www.mlive.com/living/kalamazoo/index.ssf/2009/08/teachers_use_movement_to_ keep.html http://media.becoakley.com/45%20Ideas%20For%20Classroom%20Friendly%20Fidget %20Toys.pdf http://theinspiredtreehouse.com/introduce-fidget-toys-classroom/

Contact Information: Pam Daniels Autism/Aspergers Resource Teacher Sneed Middle School/ FSD1 Email: pamela.daniels@fsd1.org Sarah Folkens Autism Consultant Theodore Lester Elementary/FSD1 Email: sfolkens@fsd1.org