Discover seven non-distracting fidget toys that can help children with ADHD focus and succeed in the classroom. These innovative tools allow students to move and learn simultaneously, potentially transforming their educational experience.
Key takeaways:
- Fidget toys can improve focus and concentration for kids with ADHD
- Non-distracting options are crucial for classroom use
- Choices include stress balls, therapy putty, and chewable jewelry
- Consider factors like noise level, safety, and individual needs when selecting a fidget toy
What are the best non-distracting fidget toys for ADHD in the classroom? The best non-distracting fidget toys for ADHD in the classroom include the Sensory Genius Stress Ball, Tangle Therapy Toy, quiet fidget spinners, marble fidget toys, Putty Peeps Therapy Putty, Chewigem Chewelry, and Flippy Chain Fidget Toy. These options provide tactile stimulation and sensory input without causing disruptions, allowing students with ADHD to focus better during lessons. Each toy offers unique benefits, such as improving concentration, building fine motor skills, or providing a calming sensory experience, while remaining quiet and discreet for classroom use.
When choosing a fidget toy for someone with ADHD, you can consider things like:
- Price
- Material safety
- Noise level
- Whether it’s quiet and engages sight or touch
Table of Contents
1. The Sensory Genius Stress Ball
When it comes to fidget toys for ADHD classroom use, the Sensory Genius Stress Ball is a top contender. This squishy, non-toxic stress ball provides a tactile experience that can help kids with thinking and learning differences maintain focus.
Plus, it’s quiet and discreet, making it an ideal choice for the classroom setting.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet and discreet | May not be suitable for kids with latex allergies |
| Non-toxic | If handled roughly, it can puncture |
Read more: What is Fidgeting in Kids?
2. The Tangle Therapy Toy
The Tangle Therapy Toy is a versatile and engaging fidget tool that can help neurodivergent kids stay focused in the classroom. Its interlocking, twisting segments provide a satisfying sensory experience, while its compact size ensures it won’t be a distraction to others. We recommend this toy for its portability and effectiveness.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Compact and portable | Small parts may pose a choking hazard for younger kids |
| Engaging and versatile | May become tangled if not handled properly |
3. The Fidget Spinner
Read more: Fidget Toys for ADHD | Do They Help?
Though fidget spinners gained popularity as a trendy toy, they can be highly effective for kids with ADHD in the classroom. These small, spinning devices can help improve focus and concentration while providing a calming sensory experience. Opt for a quiet, high-quality spinner to minimize distractions.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Improves focus and concentration | Can be distracting if not used quietly |
| Calming sensory experience | Not suitable for kids prone to dropping items |
4. The Marble Fidget Toy
Marble fidget toys are simple yet effective tools for kids with thinking and learning differences. These toys consist of a marble encased in a fabric tube, allowing the child to manipulate the marble quietly and discreetly. It’s an excellent option for tactile stimulation without causing disruptions in the classroom.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Quiet and discreet | May not be as engaging as other fidget toys |
| Simple and effective | Not suitable for kids who may try to open the fabric tube |
Read More: ADHD in the Classroom
5. The Putty Peeps Therapy Putty
Putty Peeps Therapy Putty is a fantastic fidget toy for ADHD classroom settings. This non-toxic, colorful putty can stretch, be squeezed, and molded, providing a satisfying sensory experience. It’s also a great tool for building hand strength and fine motor skills, which can be beneficial when using Goally’s learning tablet.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Non-toxic and colorful | Can be messy if not handled carefully |
| Builds hand strength and fine motor skills | May dry out if not stored properly |
6. The Chewigem Chewelry
For kids who tend to chew on objects, Chewigem Chewelry is a safe and stylish solution. These wearable fidget toys come in various designs, such as necklaces and bracelets, and non-toxic, and BPA-free. They provide a discreet sensory outlet for kids with ADHD in the classroom.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Safe and non-toxic | May not be suitable for aggressive chewers |
| Stylish and discreet | Can be a choking hazard if the cord breaks |
7. The Flippy Chain Fidget Toy
Last but not least, the Flippy Chain Fidget Toy is a durable and discreet option for kids with ADHD in the classroom. This toy features interlocking rings and a silicone band, allowing for quiet, repetitive fidgeting. It’s an excellent choice for kids who need a subtle sensory outlet during class while using Goally’s learning apps.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable and discreet | May not be as engaging as other fidget toys |
| Quiet and repetitive | Small parts may pose a choking hazard for younger kids |
Try Goally For Your Child With ADHD
Goally helps kids with ADHD stay focused and build skills. Unlike a Kindle or an iPad that kids get easily distracted on, Goally has no YouTube, no social media, no web browser, and especially no ads.
Goally uses game play as a points-based motivator for your kiddo with ADHD and helps them learn emotional regulation skills. It’s simple to set up and has an expert-informed design.
There you have it – seven non-distracting fidget toys for ADHD classroom use that can help your neurodivergent child stay focused and engaged during lessons. Each of these tools offers unique benefits, so consider your child’s specific needs and preferences when selecting the perfect fidget toy. With the right sensory support, your child can thrive in the classroom and beyond. Happy fidgeting!
Helpful Resources
- Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
- ADDitude Magazine
- Understood
FAQs About Fidget Toys for ADHD in the Classroom
What is a fidget toy? A fidget toy is a small, handheld object that individuals, often those with ADHD, use to help them focus, reduce anxiety, and manage sensory input.
How can fidget toys benefit a child with ADHD in the classroom? Fidget toys can aid a child with ADHD in the classroom by improving focus, reducing anxiety, and facilitating sensory regulation, making the learning process smoother.
Are fidget toys disruptive in a classroom setting? No, many fidget toys, like the Sensory Genius Stress Ball, are designed to be quiet and discreet, minimizing disruption in the classroom.
Can fidget toys help children without ADHD? Yes, while fidget toys are particularly beneficial for children with ADHD, they can also help any child in need of a focus aid or stress relief.
How can parents introduce fidget toys to their child's teacher? Parents can have a conversation with the teacher about the benefits of fidget toys, sharing how it could support their child's learning and focus in the classroom.
This post was originally published on 04/17/2023. It was updated on 08/28/2024.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
