From the Assistant Principal
Playground News
As we shared with you in the previous newsletter, we have been encouraging student voice to share with us ideas for updating our playground. We have been working closely with our playground provider who has been happy to include the elements of a playground that are the most popular with our students. This process has also included a voting process by our Years 2 & 3 students and the winning design has now been selected and should be installed early in 2024.
We would like to thank Jacqui Wharfe and the P&F and all the teachers and students who have participated with this process. We can't wait to see all the fun that will be had on our new play space!!!
Benefits Of Sensory and Fidget Toys For Neurotypical Children
The subject of sensory support and fidget toys has been raised with me by a number of families. This is a topic I am very passionate about and I'm happy to discuss this you personally should this be an area of interest or concern for you. I've included some information that may answer some of your questions. We we welcome the use of sensory supports at Ormond PS and I would encourage parents to email me if your child would benefit from this so that we can ensure we are following any recommendations appropriately.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Enhance Creativity and Imagination
Sensory and fidget toys offer a diverse range of textures, colours, and shapes that encourage open-ended play. When children engage with these toys, they are inspired to use their imagination, creating stories, scenarios, and characters. Whether it's moulding playdough, exploring sensory bins, or manipulating fidget spinners, these toys stimulate creativity and help children develop essential storytelling and problem-solving skills.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Promote Sensory Exploration
Neurotypical children also benefit significantly from sensory play. Exploring different textures and sensations through sensory toys helps them develop a deeper understanding of their environment. Sensory play enriches the brain's neural connections, fostering cognitive growth and enhancing sensory processing abilities. As children engage in sensory play, they become more adept at recognizing and interpreting various sensory inputs, making them better equipped to navigate the world around them.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Stimulate Cognitive Development
Sensory and fidget toys activate different areas of the brain, fostering cognitive development in neurotypical children. For example, puzzles, building blocks, and sensory games challenge their problem-solving and spatial reasoning abilities. These toys encourage critical thinking, planning, and strategic decision-making, which are vital skills for academic success and everyday life.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Improve Focus and Attention
While often associated with assisting children with attention-related challenges, fidget toys can also be beneficial for neurotypical children. Many neurotypical children naturally experience fidgeting tendencies, especially during periods of heightened focus. Fidget toys offer an outlet for this excess energy, enabling children to maintain attention and concentrate on tasks more effectively. As a result, these toys can contribute to improved learning outcomes and task completion.
Sensory and Fidget Toys and Stress Relief and Emotional Regulation
Sensory and fidget toys can act as stress relievers for neurotypical children as well. Play sessions with these toys provide a calming and soothing effect, reducing feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. When children feel stressed or emotionally charged, engaging with sensory or fidget toys allows them to release pent-up energy in a positive and constructive manner, promoting emotional regulation and well-being.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Foster Social Interaction
Sensory and fidget toys can also facilitate social interaction among neurotypical children. When children share these toys, they often engage in cooperative play, taking turns, and collaborating on creative projects. Additionally, some fidget toys can serve as conversation starters, helping children bond over shared interests and experiences.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Build Fine and Gross Motor Skills
The manipulation of sensory and fidget toys involves various hand movements and physical actions, contributing to the development of fine and gross motor skills. Activities like squeezing stress balls, threading beads, or playing with kinetic sand enhance hand-eye coordination, dexterity, and muscle strength, benefiting overall motor development.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Address Specific Developmental Needs
Neurodivergent children, including those with autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, and other developmental challenges, often have unique sensory preferences and sensitivities. Sensory and fidget toys play a crucial role in addressing these specific needs. By offering a wide range of textures, colours, and sensory experiences, these toys allow neurodivergent children to engage with the world on their terms, providing comfort and support in their daily lives.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Support Sensory Integration and Regulation
For neurodivergent children, sensory integration can be challenging. Sensory toys facilitate sensory integration by providing controlled sensory input that helps children process and regulate their responses to different stimuli. These toys can assist in desensitization to aversive stimuli or, conversely, provide a soothing and calming effect for those who are sensory-seeking.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Promote Focus and Concentration
Many neurodivergent children experience difficulties with attention and focus. Fidget toys, in particular, have been found to be beneficial for increasing concentration and reducing distractions. The repetitive and rhythmic movements of fidget toys can serve as a self-regulating mechanism, allowing children to channel excess energy and maintain better focus during various activities.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Reduce Anxiety and Stress
Neurodivergent children may face heightened levels of anxiety and stress due to sensory overload or challenges in processing emotions. Sensory and fidget toys can be valuable tools for anxiety relief, providing a sense of comfort and security. Squeezing stress balls, using weighted blankets, or engaging with calming sensory items can help these children cope with stressors and find moments of tranquillity.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Enhance Communication and Social Skills
For neurodivergent children who may face communication difficulties or struggle with social interactions, sensory and fidget toys can serve as valuable bridges. These toys can act as icebreakers, encouraging engagement with peers and adults during play. Additionally, sensory playgroups and therapy sessions that incorporate sensory toys create a supportive environment for social interactions and communication practice.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Support Sensory Therapy
Sensory integration therapy is a well-established intervention for neurodivergent children with sensory processing challenges. Sensory toys are essential tools used in these therapy sessions to create tailored sensory experiences and aid in achieving therapeutic goals. In collaboration with therapists, parents can use sensory and fidget toys to continue sensory-based interventions at home, reinforcing the benefits of therapy.
Sensory and Fidget Toys Embrace Inclusivity
By offering a diverse range of sensory and fidget toys, toy stores contribute to a more inclusive society. Inclusivity in toy design acknowledges and respects the unique needs and preferences of neurodivergent children, ensuring that they have access to toys that are both enjoyable and supportive of their development.
Source: sticksandstoneseducation.com
Susan Vissenjoux
Acting Assistant Principal