Social-Emotional Learning: The Best Fidget and Sensory Toys for Kids

Times of uncertainty and stress can lead to fears and worries in both adults and children. For children this could mean anything from a change in their routine to transitions involving new places with new faces. But these moments of anxiety in children can also lead to social-emotional learning growth opportunities! Learning to cope with stress and worry can have lifelong benefits. In some cases, children may need outside resources or tools to help them understand how to respond when they get overstimulated or upset.?

That is why Learning Resources developed the Rainbow Emotion Fidget Poppers to help children deal with big emotions, calm their minds and bodies, reduce anxiety and stress, and practice quiet focus. The five fidget toys in this kit each have a specific purpose. Keeping in mind that every child is different, we suggest you find the toys and tools that work best for your child in different situations.

Below are expert tips for getting started with social–emotional learning in any setting.

1. Focus on Soothing Movements

If your child is overstimulated or upset, encourage him or her to focus on the movement within the Sensory Fidget Tubes. This will automatically slow down heart rate and respiration as your child turn his or her attention there. Encourage bringing mindfulness to your child’s breathing by syncing his or her breaths to the movements. This gives your child more awareness and agency in managing emotions.

2. Direct Energy and Focus

Having a captivating external focus can help your child appropriately direct his or her energy. Allow your child to experiment with the different fidget toys in Sensory Fidget Toy Kit and find one that is the easiest to use for focus.

3. Talk About Feelings

Expand your child’s social–emotional awareness by pairing the Sensory Fidget Toy Kit with conversations about feelings. If he or she is overstimulated, angry, or upset, ask specific questions about feelings such as “Do you feel any tightness or heat in your body? Any other feelings? Where do you feel that?”. Then, invite your child to track progress toward a calm, focused state while playing with the sensory toys of his or her choice. This draws attention to how your child’s body feels when he or she is upset, how it feels when calm, the strategies your child can use to help manage feelings, and how to communicate about feelings.

We hope that you have fun exploring the fidget toys and that you find these tips for getting started with social–emotional learning helpful.

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