What is it?
Oral fidgets are tools designed to provide sensory input through chewing or sucking, helping individuals self-regulate during times of stress, anxiety, or inattention. Common types include chewable jewelry, textured tubes, chew sticks, or even sugar-free gum. In classroom settings, oral fidgets offer a safe, discreet way for students—especially those with sensory processing needs or attention challenges—to stay calm and focused.
How to use it?
Introduce oral fidgets as regulation tools, explaining their purpose and how they support attention and calmness. Offer a variety of safe, age-appropriate options, and review expectations for respectful and hygienic use—such as using them during independent work or quiet activities. Collaborate with students and families to identify individual needs, and monitor use to ensure the tools are helping without distracting others.
Why use it?
Oral fidgets can improve focus, reduce anxiety, and support self-regulation for students who benefit from oral sensory input. By acknowledging and accommodating these needs, educators foster an inclusive classroom where all students can access tools that support their learning. Incorporating oral fidgets helps create a calm, focused learning environment that respects individual sensory differences.
