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A "fidget" (or fidget toy) is a small object that is used to help someone focus and pay attention, or to decrease stress and anxiety.
Sensory experiences help regulate emotions. A sensory experience can be as simple as deep breathing exercises or as complicated as a sensory room. Calming bottles, slime, and other types of "fidgets" create sensory experiences. You need not limit these to your neuro-diverse kids. We all need emotional regulation at one time or another.
When the body is moving and hands are engaged, the brain functions more effectively.
Limit “sit and listen” activities. Now I know that in formal worship settings, you may not be able to shorten the sermon time. But advocate for more interactive, participatory elements of worship. Provide fidgets and coloring sheets to occupy hands during the sitting times.
In Sunday school, you do have more control. Read the room. Pay attention to behavior during activities. If you pay close attention, you can usually redirect behavior before it becomes troublesome. Are the students not interested in this particular activity? Move on to the next thing or have a helper sit next to them to help keep their attention. Have a basket of fidgets on hand to keep hands busy. Are they inching too close to another kid? Ask them to come help you with something.
Don’t expect kids to sit for long periods listening to the lesson. This is where Workshop Rotation Model fits in. The lessons are built around interaction and hands-on activities, which will help neurodiverse kids thrive.
Fidget-like objects can even be tied to the Bible story. Give each child a cotton ball or piece of fleece when your story is about shepherds. Allow the children to build with Jenga blocks as they listen to the story of Jericho or the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem. You will find the children can fidget and listen to the story and answer the questions! They often just need to have busy hands to help them focus.
Note that fidgets aren't just for little kids. We don’t really outgrow the need for sensory activities. A friend of mine was offering me a fidget for my 10-year-old grandchild, questioning if they were too old for fidgets. “Are you kidding?” I answered, “Even I’m not too old for fidgets!” So anything you do for neurodivergent children can work for teens, just don’t make it look childlike.
Please post your favorite fidgets and sources below!
