Fidgeting
Target Age Group: Any age
Objective: To help children who have experienced trauma feel less stimulated when in high stress situations.
Why it Works
Mindfulness Connection:
- Grounding:
- Provides a small, repeated motion that helps students stay present in high-stress moments
- Mental Break:
- Focusing on a tiny task (or zoning out briefly) can give the brain a needed reset
Instructions:
- Gather Materials:
- Pen or pencil (anything on the desk)
- Paper
- Glue or tape
- Create the Shape:
- Fold one piece of paper in half
- Draw a simple shape (circle, heart, or square) on the folded paper
- Cut out the shape to make two identical pieces
- Seal the Edges:
- Use tape or glue to attach the edges of the two paper pieces together
- Leave a small opening to add stuffing
- Add the Squishy Filling:
- Crumple a small plastic bag, tissue paper, or a piece of foam
- Place it inside the paper shape—soft and puffy, not overstuffed
- Seal the Opening:
- Tape or glue the remaining open edge
- Press around the edges to ensure it’s secure
- Decorate (Optional):
- Use markers or stickers to make the squishy toy fun and colorful
