Simple Special Education Support Spotlight: How Calm Strips Can Help Increase Focus and Reduce Anxiety
I recently had the joy of chatting with the fantastic team from Calm Strips on my Special Education Inner Circle Podcast. If you haven't heard about Calm Strips before, you're in for a treat!
So, what are Calm Strips? They're these ingenious little textured stickers that help with focus and anxiety. I know, it sounds simple, right? But sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective!
Michael, the inventor of Calm Strips, shared how he came up with the idea when he was struggling to sit still for just 10 minutes of meditation. Can you relate? I know I can! These strips give your hands something to do, helping you stay centered and focused.
One of the things I love about Calm Strips is how versatile they are. You can stick them on desks, phones, laptops, water bottles – pretty much anywhere! And the best part? They're reusable and don't leave any residue. Perfect for school environments where we need to be mindful of damaging property.
Now, let's talk about back-to-school anxiety. We all know it's not just the kids who feel it – us parents get those jitters too, especially when our children need extra support. Luce, one of the co-founders of Calm Strips and a mom of five, shared some great advice for parents:
- Be open and honest with your kids about their needs. It's all about helping them succeed!
- Get involved and advocate for your child. Don't be afraid to reach out to teachers before the school year starts.
- Remember, you're not alone in this. Teachers have likely seen similar situations before and can be great allies.
Michael added some dad wisdom too. He reminded us that every student has needs, whether they have an IEP or not. It's all about supporting your child and working with their educators.
One tip I loved? Go on field trips if you can! It's a great way to stay involved and see your child in action with their classmates.
Remember, parents (and teachers), it's okay to be anxious about the new school year. But with the right tools (like Calm Strips that you can find on Amazon!), we can help all kids thrive. And hey, if you're feeling overwhelmed, maybe grab a Calm Strip for yourself too!
Want to hear more from the team at Calm Strips? See our past interview.
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