Collection: School & Classroom - Inclusive Learning Tools

The best way to help your child concentrate, is to first work out what their brain and body crave.

For example, some kids move around a lot in their seat. These kids can benefit from an active seating aid, such as a wobble stool, wobble cushion or a foot fidget chair kick band. These tools allow them to use gentle body movement and energy, which in turn keeps their brain focused on the task at hand.

They can gently and quietly move on their seat, meaning they will stay in their seat (rather than roaming around the classroom!) and cause less disruption to those around them.

Some children lose concentration more easily than others. Providing an outlet for them to use up restless energy will in turn improve their concentration.

For example, allowing a child to gentle rotate a fidget toy in their hand, or chew on a chewable object such as a pencil topper (if they have a chewing sensory preference) can allow them to use their restless energy without conscious awareness. Their brain now no longer needs to concentrate on the fidgeting aspect (because it is done unconsciously), and now they can focus on the classwork task.

Often we confuse “disruption” with being dysregulated. A child who is disruptive may be feeling bored, confused or overwhelmed. By getting them back to an emotionally regulated state is important here and stops their behaviour from escalating.

First, you need to narrow down how they emotionally regulate.

For example, Jake may find the classroom noisy and overstimulating, and seeks comfort wearing a pair of noise cancelling earmuffs.

Sam on the other hand, may be feeling overwhelmed and needs a hug. This is where a weighted item, such as lying a weighted lap pad blanket across her legs may make her feel grounded and safe again.

Each child’s way of regulating is different – and can usually be worked out by trialling different tools until you find the “a-ha!” moment of what fits.