May 29, 2024
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Years ago, I was on a Board of Directors for a local charity. Another board member always brought her knitting to our meetings and when someone asked why she did this, she simply responded, “It helps me concentrate.” After 30 years of meetings, trainings, and other convenings — in the role of facilitator, teacher, participant, member, Chair, Secretary, leader, professor, or facilitator — I have seen people use many different techniques to stay focused on the work at hand and relieve stress. When I am part of a team planning an event or training, I have learned to bring supplies.
Why Fidgets are Needed
There are many reasons to offer fidgets or manipulatives when a group comes together to meet, work, or learn.
- To stay alert. Adults are often tired from the demands at home and/or work. When our hands are busy, it is easier to stay alert.
- To offer a break. Having manipulatives close by can be just the thing a person needs to stay alert until a break is offered. These slight distractions can offer a break to the eyes, body, and mind in an otherwise tough workspace.
- To minimize distraction. Often, we are juggling multiple things at once — multitasking is common. Busy hands can help ensure solo focus.
- To insert a bit of fun. Work and learning are often serious business. Being able to figure out a small puzzle, or pull a rubber caterpillar to twice its length, or squish a ball so a light goes off from the inside, can offer the bit of levity a person needs.
What Fidgets to Consider
There are many objects and other tools that can help participants. Here are some favourites to consider.
- Pipe cleaners are my go-to manipulative. They are easy to carry, light weight, inexpensive, colourful and work for most who need something to fidget with. Sculptures can be quite impressive and can be used as part of a check-in to represent how we are feeling!
- Clay or Playdough can bring back pleasant memories of childhood for some and for others simply feels gratifying – the more you squish the clay the warmer and softer it gets. Inviting participants to sculpt a complex concept or synthesize learning can be an energizing activity in any training.
- Lego or other blocks. Most people will recognize Lego and know what to do with it — our bodies remember! Another recent find for me has been the Plus Blocks — light weight, easy to pack, and fun!
- Prickly or squishy balls are sometimes all a person needs to manage stress and stay focused. The prickly ones offer an added sensory bonus.
- Fidgets come in all shapes and sizes. There are hundreds of creative ways to “fidget”. Gather a collection and see what gets attention.
- Colouring sheets. I love these because you can easily keep them under a basket and offer an alternative to 3-D fidgets. Coloured pencils are best and easy to carry.
Tips for Success
- Less is more. There is a fine line when there are too many manipulatives on the table. They are meant to be an aid for focusing, not a distraction. One to three types of item per table is plenty.
- No flying objects. I was once at a training where the client put baskets full of bouncy balls, paper airplanes and other objects. Within the first hour, the air was full of flying objects. Not helpful and a serious distraction.
- Be prepared to let it go. From time to time, objects are so enjoyed that they end up leaving the room in bags or purses at the end of the training.
- Colour is engaging. Colours have the power to energize or soothe so offer a wide selection.
- Use baskets. They can help keep things organized and in place, minimizing clutter on the tables. Colourful woven baskets are my favourite.
- Keep a supply. I always have a stock of four to six different types of manipulatives on hand. I take what I think will work best for each group. You may wish to purchase something specifically connected to a theme for a particular event.
Years later I saw the woman who I spent time with on the local food bank board. When I asked her if she still brings her knitting to meetings, she laughed saying, “I never go anywhere without my knitting! It has saved me many times!” I get it. For me, I love to colour and usually have my pencil crayons close by.
What manipulatives do you like to provide for your groups?
What do you especially appreciate having on a table while in a conference or other gathering?
Jeanette Romkema is GLP Senior Consultant, Network Director and Co-owner. Read more blogs by Jeanette.
Here are other techniques that can help keep the energy up and deepen learning: