Are your students feeling stressed and in need of a little relaxation? Look no further than DIY stress balls! These simple and inexpensive stress-relief tools are not only fun to make but also effective in helping students manage their emotions and find calmness. Here are some easy steps to create DIY stress balls for your classroom:

1. Gather the materials: You will need balloons, flour or rice, and a funnel. If you prefer a different filling material, you can use beans or kinetic sand as well.
2. Inflate the balloon: Blow up the balloon slightly to expand its shape. This will make it easier to fill with the desired material.
3. Insert the funnel: Place the small end of the funnel inside the balloon’s opening. Make sure the funnel is secure, preventing any spillage during the filling process.
4. Fill the balloon: Pour the flour or rice (or your chosen filling material) into the funnel slowly. Use a spoon or gently tap the funnel to ensure that the filling material goes into the balloon smoothly.
5. Tie off the balloon: Once the balloon is filled to the desired size, carefully remove the funnel and gently squeeze out any remaining air. Twist the balloon’s opening and tie a knot tightly to secure the filling inside.
6. Optional: Decorate the stress ball. You can use markers to draw faces or patterns on the balloon’s surface, giving it a more personalized touch.
7. Repeat the process: Make as many stress balls as you need for your classroom. You can experiment with different filling materials or balloon colors to add variety. Now that you have your DIY stress balls ready, here are a few suggestions on how to use them in the classroom:

1. Stress relief sessions: Set aside some dedicated time for students to use the stress balls and engage in relaxing activities. This can be during study breaks, transition periods, or after particularly challenging tasks.
2. Mindfulness exercises: Incorporate stress ball usage into mindfulness exercises. Encourage students to focus on the sensation of squeezing the stress ball and take deep breaths while they do so, promoting a sense of calmness.
3. Manage anxiety: Instruct students to use the stress balls whenever they feel anxious or overwhelmed. Squeezing the stress balls can provide a distraction and help alleviate stress.

Remember, DIY stress balls are not only beneficial for students but also for teachers. Feel free to use them yourself whenever stress levels rise in the classroom. Enjoy the process of creating these simple tools and watch as your classroom becomes a peaceful and stress-free environment.