How To Improve Learning with Fidget Toys and Autism File Folders
Using Autism File Folders and Fidget Toys Together: Teaching Social Safety Skills
Introduction
As parents and educators, we understand the importance of teaching social safety skills to children with autism. These skills empower them to recognize safe and unsafe situations, fostering independence and reducing anxiety. In this blog post, we’ll explore how combining Autism file folders with fidget toys can enhance the learning experience for autistic students.
What Are Autism File Folders?
Autism file folders are visual learning tools designed to help children with autism understand various concepts. They typically contain real-life pictures or symbols related to specific topics. In our case, we’re using file folders that depict safe and unsafe situations. For instance, a child might see a picture of someone standing alone near a pool or an image representing something unsafe.
The Importance of Social Safety Skills
Teaching social safety skills is crucial for children with autism. These skills include recognizing dangerous situations, understanding personal boundaries, and knowing how to respond appropriately. By mastering these skills, autistic students can navigate their environment more confidently.
Enter Fidget Toys
Fidget toys are small handheld objects that provide sensory input and help manage stress. They’re not just for children with special needs; everyone can benefit from them. Here’s how fidget toys can complement the use of Autism file folders:
Stress Relief and Focus:
During lessons involving file folders, students may experience anxiety or restlessness. Fidget toys offer a healthy outlet for stress, allowing students to focus better on the task at hand.
Sensory Input:
Some fidget toys provide tactile, visual, or auditory sensory input. For example, a textured fidget cube or a squishy stress ball can engage different senses.
Teachers can encourage students to use fidget toys discreetly while discussing safe and unsafe scenarios. This helps regulate sensory needs without disrupting the lesson.
Quiet Distraction:
Quiet fidgets (those without noise) are ideal for the classroom setting. Students can manipulate them without causing distractions.
Examples include worry stones, twistable Tangle toys, or soft fabric squares.
Choosing the Right Fidget Toys
When selecting fidget toys, consider the following factors:
Personal Preference: Let students choose fidgets they feel comfortable with.
Sensory Needs: Match the toy to the student’s sensory preferences (e.g., tactile, visual, or auditory).
Age-Appropriateness: Ensure the toy is suitable for the student’s age.
Variety: Different fidgets may address different sensory needs, so offer a variety.
Websites to Explore
Here are five websites where you can find more information about Autism file folders and fidget toys:
101 Best Fidget Toys for Teens and Adults with Autism & ADHD: A comprehensive list of fidget toys suitable for older kids, teens, and adults.
Autism Tasks - Printable, Hands-On Fun with File Folder Games: Explore printable file folder games designed for students with Autism.
Autism Matching File Folders- Toys: File folders focused on matching real-life pictures for functional items.
25 Fidget and Stress Toys for Autism: Discover options to help with anxiety levels.
10 Best Fidget Toys for Kids & Teens with Autism: Learn about fidget toys’ benefits for autistic children.
Remember, combining Autism file folders with fidget toys creates a dynamic learning environment that supports social safety skills while keeping students engaged. Let’s empower our children with the tools they need to thrive! 🌟
