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We all know, fidgets are awesome. They support students needing sensory input, they can assist students experiencing anxiety, and they can provide support for focusing in the classroom, and more. As kids become more self aware and develop preferences and more nuanced personalities, sensory tools and fidgets get tricker. This is why I love Calm Strips. They are really simple stickers with unique and helpful textures that can be subtle, quiet, and still SO helpful for kids!
Looking for ideas on how to use them in your setting? I have 5 ideas that can can get you started.
1.) Movement break
I love the idea of putting calm strips in an area in your classroom, office, or space. You could also add them to a spot in your hallway. You’ll see in my picture, I added calm strips to the big radiator in the back of my space. Students can then take a movement break as needed by getting out of their seat and walking over to where the calm sticker is adhered to. This gives students a chance to get up and move, plus gain the input from the calm strips!
2.) Literally… put them everywhere.
Calm strips are a no-harm intervention. Plus when you purchase them, you get a ton inside the pack. Why not give them to everyone? In our library/resource center, there is a calm strip at every single table spot. Kids can use them or not, but the opportunity and the support is available. This not only destigmatizes the need for a tool or support, but gives all kids a chance to get what they need. Sometimes students don’t even realize how much they like or need a certain tool until it’s right in front of them.
3.) Support your own sensory system
Who says calm strips are for students only? I know we can all raise our hands sharing that we often need sensory and regulation supports at the same rate as our students! Stick a calm sticker to your lanyard so you always have it near. This will naturally support you and give you a cue for taking deep breaths and a mindful moment as needed, and will also allow you to model. I love having calm supports readily available to show students!
4.) Add to a laminated key ring
Calm strips are great because they’re subtle, however, they’re stickers. You can’t just move them! Unless… you make them a portable tool. Take a piece of cardstock and laminate it. Add a key ring, and voila! You can stick your calm strips directly on the laminated card stock, and students can carry around this helpful tool all day. It can hang on a hook, be easy to find in a bag or pocket, or even hang on a student lanyard or belt loop.
5.) Calm corner addition
You know I love a good calm corner, and calm strips are perfect additions. You can add several to a wall space so students can feel them like a sensory wall, or put them inside a calming book for an additional layer of support. This is an especially helpful support if students are already using calm strips throughout their day. Having a familiar and useful tool when students are overwhelmed is essential to supporting the de-escalation process.
How will you use these helpful tools in your setting?
