As a special education teacher, you have to be prepared for anything and everything. You are there for your students when they need extra support or guidance on their learning journey, and it can often feel overwhelming! One big part of successful inclusion strategies is finding sensory solutions that work for each student—that’s where sensory chewing comes in.
We know how hard it can be to find the perfect piece of stress-relieving gear, so we went out and got some advice from some experts: special education teachers who tackle classroom challenges every day! Here’s what they had to say about the best sensory chew options available today.
What is Chewelry?
Chewelry is a type of device designed to help special education students who may be anxious or stressed and need something to focus on. Chewing gum usually consists of items such as necklaces or bracelets made of safe materials that can be chewed without danger.
These items come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes to appeal to kids of all ages, allowing them to choose their favorites!
Chewing can be an effective way for students to self-regulate and maintain concentration in and out of the classroom.
Safety precautions when using chewing gum in the classroom
When choosing sensory chews for special learners, it is important to keep safety in mind. After all, these items are designed to be played with and chewed, so it’s essential that they don’t break and create a choking hazard.
For the highest level of safety, look for sturdy designs made from FDA-approved materials and avoid any beads or embellishments that can easily come loose.
It’s also a good idea to check that the product has passed third-party testing and is certified safe before purchasing.
Favorite sensory chews
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Krypto-Bite Chewable Gemstone Necklace
Y-Chew
Grabber
Brick stick
Super Star Chew
Saber chewing
Chewing tags
All in all, chewing can be a great sensory tool for special learners, especially those with sensory dysregulation issues. However, there are several important safety aspects that must be considered in order to use chewing gum correctly and safely.
Make sure the product is made of non-toxic materials and always supervise the users using it. Remember that different materials will cause different levels of wear and tear, so choose the item that best suits your child’s individual needs.
Finally, and most importantly, never leave children unattended with chewing gum, as prolonged use can cause mouth injuries. However, with these things in mind, chewing can be a very effective option for providing a calming and grounding aid to special education students who need sensory stimulation.
