From distraction to direction—fidget toys are changing the world of learning for all students. They give learners a simple way to manage energy and anxiety, helping them arrive in a lesson with a calmer mindset.
By picking up their favourite fidget as soon as they walk through the studio door, students are ready to focus on music. The mindset change is almost instant: they leave the day’s frustrations behind and step into a space where they can have fun, relax, and reset.
My First Studio Fidget
Interestingly, my first “studio fidget” wasn’t bought as a fidget at all.
Way before fidgets were popular, I purchased the original Popit Mouse game to help piano and guitar students curl their fingers and play with correct hand shape. It lived on top of the piano, and to my surprise, students of all ages began grabbing it as soon as they walked in the door.
Even more surprising was the change in their demeanour after just 30 seconds of play. They were calmer, more relaxed, and ready to try new things. That was the moment I realised the quiet power of fidgets in a learning environment.
A Growing Collection
Fast forward to today, and I now keep a whole range of fidgets on top of the piano.
Some favourites include:
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Half of an old slinky
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Duck from Kaiko Fidgets
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A penguin from Prices Plus called Adele
When fingers don’t cooperate, something feels too hard, or frustration takes over, a fidget is grabbed. It might be pushed, pulled, squeezed, or even banged about—and then, almost magically, everything works again.
The Benefits of Fidgets in Lessons
Allowing interaction with fidgets takes only 10 seconds out of a lesson, but the benefits are enormous:
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Reduce stress and anxiety
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Provide a quick focus break
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Offer a socially acceptable outlet for frustration
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Help students reset emotionally and mentally
These small moments of pause can transform how a lesson unfolds.
From Distraction to Direction
Fidgets are no longer seen as a distraction in my studio—they’re a tool for direction, focus, and emotional balance. By embracing them, I’ve seen my students become calmer, more confident, and more willing to try new things.
Sometimes, all it takes is a squeeze, a pop, or a spin to turn frustration into focus.
