BSEM

As mentioned in the previous newsletter, the Body Domain is made up of a few strategies with Self Regulation as one of them. Part of Self Regulation involves the use of Fidget Tools in some students. At Bimbadeen we strongly use the vocabulary of Fidget Tool rather than Fidget Toy. Fidget tools are often referred to as "tools" rather than "toys" to emphasise their functional purpose and therapeutic benefits to ensure students don’t get carried away by big items being a toy. 

Calling them tools underscores their role in educational and therapeutic settings. It indicates that they serve a constructive purpose, aiding in learning and development rather than just providing entertainment. 

Fidget tools have many benefits when used correctly in the classroom and at Bimbadeen we are seeing them being used effectively and for the students that require them. Something that some teachers have noted is that Fidget spinners require hand-eye coordination which may draw focus away from the task at hand while tools like the Fidget Cube offer a variety of tactile sensations. These fidget tools are more classroom-appropriate because they don’t draw focus away from the teacher or draw the attention of other students. 

If your child requires a fidget tool for the classroom, please inform your child’s teacher. This needs to be something small and in their lap, that will help them remain focused on the task at hand rather than used as a distraction from their and peers' learning. 

We hope you are enjoying these articles. Please feel free to reach out at any time.

Thank you ,

Olivia Maestri and Marty Gill 

Berry Street Education Model Leader and Inclusion Leader