Fidget Toys and Puzzles – A New Beacon of Hope

August 08, 2017

Fidget and puzzle toys are as old as human civilization. Thanks to extensive research conducted by scholars, now it is evident that such toys are significant in the field of education. They enhance the possibility of children making tangible results in their lives, as they become useful and productive members of society.

People have been fidgeting since time immemorial. They have been fidgeting with stones, wooden and metal pieces, shells and beads. Now fidget toys are becoming increasingly popular in the US, Canada and Europe. They are helpful for children and adults.

Parents and teachers have been scolding children with Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder and Autism to remain quiet and focus on studies. Such techniques have failed in achieving the desired effect to make them learn. Contrary to that, moving continuously helps them to learn better. This is good for children having learning difficulties such as dyslexia. By remaining on the move, their brains become fully active. Some parts of brain experience boredom. Fidgeting helps the boredom affected part of the brain to engage in non-academic activities. Then other parts of brain remain focused on grasping and memorizing things.

Paper clips, rubber bands, erasers, ball point pens, squishy balls, water balls and even water bottles are useful fidget toys. Toe-tapping and thumb-twiddling are found useful in making adults also more productive at work.

Puzzles are useful in many different ways. Jigsaw puzzles have been famous for a very long time among children. Children become smart and intelligent by using puzzles. Their reasonability and problem solving ability increase when they participate in puzzle games. Engagement by parents and teachers in helping to solve puzzles results in enhancing children’s linguistic acumen. Puzzles and fidget toys are much better than screen toys. Several studies show that screen time is not helpful in developing children’s intellectual ability.

While fidget toys are good for stress relief, puzzle games are useful in increasing mental ability.