Inclusion

Fidget Tools @ OGPS

As spoken about in a previous newsletter article, reasonable adjustments are commonplace throughout classrooms and the school in general at Ocean Grove Primary School. Something I get asked about often is ‘fidget’ or ‘sensory’ tools and their use/acceptance in the classroom.

We have fidget/sensory tools being used in all classrooms as a universal approach for all students. Students who need sensory tools on a more specific/frequent basis are often working with Occupational Therapists and these are recommended through reports or assessments.

A motto for fidget tools is ‘essential for some, helpful for all, harmful for none’ when used appropriately and correctly in the classroom or school setting. I must stress they are not ‘toys’ but ‘tools’ to support students' learning, regulation and wellbeing.

In saying that, we need some parameters around what an acceptable fidget tool for our school setting. When families are investigating or sending fidget tools to school for their child, please ensure you have discussed this with your classroom teacher first before sending them to school. I would like you to also consider the following:

• Fidgets are often designated for students who have a diagnosed need.
• Fidgets are used to assist students in maintaining focus so that they can learn effectively.
• Students will keep one fidget at their desk at a time. We do not need a treasure chest of fidgets on tables as they can become distracting.
• The fidgets should be small enough to fit in their hand.
• Students are not to share their fidget with others.
• Fidgets need to be silent. When they are making noise, it distracts other students from their focus and learning in the classroom.
• Fidgets are not ‘toys’ to be played with by other students, we want to maintain a conducive learning space. 
• NO squishes please. We have had several pop already this year and the cleaners can’t get it out of the carpet. The same goes for ‘slime’. Slime is wonderful for students to play with at home, but it makes lots of mess in the classrooms and we have had trouble getting it out of the carpet as well.

If you have any questions around appropriate fidgets for your child and their classroom, please touch base with your child’s classroom teacher. They will be able to support and guide to ensure fidget tools are working in their classroom in a positive manner for all their students.

Regards,

Ryan Baltetsch

Inclusive Practices Learning Specialist