How to Make a Fidget Bracelet with a Free Executive Functioning Planning Sheet

Whether you're a teacher, school counselor, social worker, psychologist, or a parent looking to make a fun DIY craft with kids, this DIY fidget bracelet project will be a fun one for you. Crafting these bracelets is not only a great way to keep hands busy and minds focused but also serves as a practical executive functioning exercise.

By following detailed step-by-step instructions and utilizing my free planning sheet, you’ll practice organizing tasks, managing time, and executing a plan—all essential components of strong executive functioning. This makes the project particularly valuable for learners needing a tactile experience to develop these critical skills.

This is a great project for teachers or school counselors because you can make a lot of these in bulk pretty inexpensively, allowing everyone to share the joy of making and the benefits of using a fidget tool. Let’s get started with what you’ll need to create your very own fidget bracelet. And for more counseling craft ideas, check out this blog post. And to learn more about how effective fidgets and sensory tools are (plus a list of my favorite tools), check out this blog post.

Supplies Needed to Make a Fidget Bracelet

Executive Functioning Fidget Bracelet Planning Sheet (Grab a free copy in my SEL resource library. If you're not already an email subscriber, sign up here.)

Pony Beads Choose a variety of colors for customizing your design.

Nylon Cord I used this sturdy 1.5 mm cord that's perfect for beading. Magnetic Clasps This set comes with 100 clasps, offering plenty for multiple projects.

Clear nail polish A handy tool for sealing the knots securely.

Scotch Tape Helps in holding things in place while you work

Scissors For cutting the cord to the right length

Ruler To measure wrist and bracelet size

You can find all the supplies I used on this handy list.

Step 1:

First, ensure you have all the necessary supplies gathered. This will make the bracelet-making process smoother and more enjoyable.

Step 2:   

Use your planning sheet to record your wrist measurement. Wrap the nylon cord around your wrist and mark where it meets. Lay the cord against a ruler and note the length needed for your bracelet. For example, my wrist measures 6.5 inches.

Step 3:   

Plan out your bead pattern and colors using your planning sheet. Remember to leave enough room on the cord to allow the beads to slide around easily—typically, 7-9 beads are perfect, depending on wrist size.

Step 4: 

Wrap the cord around your wrist four times, then cut. This extra length ensures you have enough cord to work with as you add beads and clasps.

Step 5: 

Thread one side of the magnetic clasp onto the nylon cord. Find the midpoint of the cord and secure the clasp with a double knot to prevent slipping.

Step 6:   

Secure the clasp to your desk or table using scotch tape. This stabilization makes it easier to add beads to the cord.

Step 7: 

Consult your planning sheet again and begin beading by threading the first chosen color. Continue stringing each bead through both sides of the cord until you've added about 7-9 beads.

Step 8: 

Check the bracelet length with your ruler, then test the fit by wrapping the bracelet around your wrist. Adjust as necessary before threading the ends through the other part of the magnetic clasp and securing with a double knot.

Step 9: 

Apply a small amount of clear nail polish to both knots. This step is crucial as it prevents the knots from unraveling over time.

Step 10: 

Allow the nail polish to dry completely. Once dry, your new fidget bracelet is ready to use! Enjoy sliding the beads around as a soothing, quiet fidget tool.

Understanding Executive Functioning

Executive functioning skills are crucial cognitive processes that allow people to plan, focus attention, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks successfully. These skills act as the command center of the brain (kind of like the brain's CEO), helping us to organize, prioritize, and act on information.

Key components of executive functioning include:

• Planning: The ability to map out the steps needed to reach a goal.

• Organization: Keeping track of materials and tasks.

• Time Management: Estimating how much time one has, allocating it effectively, and staying within time limits.

  
  

• Task Initiation: Beginning tasks without procrastination.

  
  

• Working Memory: Holding information in mind while performing complex tasks.

• Metacognition: Being aware of one’s own thought process.

• Self-Control: Regulating emotions and behaviors in accordance with the demands of the situation.

How Making a Fidget Bracelet Helps Enhance Executive Functioning

Creating a DIY fidget bracelet is a practical and enjoyable way to develop and strengthen executive functioning skills, particularly for children and teens. Here’s how the process helps with each component:

• Planning and Organization: Selecting a design and gathering all necessary materials before starting the project requires foresight and organizational skills. Kids learn to anticipate the resources they need and the steps they must follow. They can also use the free planning sheet to help them plan out the colors and pattern of beads they'll use.

• Time Management: By setting a goal to complete the bracelet in one

  sitting, children practice estimating how much time the task will require and learn to manage that time effectively, a skill that translates well into academic and personal tasks.

• Task Initiation: Getting started on the project teaches children to overcome inertia and begin tasks promptly, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.

• Working Memory: Following the steps of the bracelet-making process while remembering the pattern and design they have planned out exercises their working memory.

• Metacognition: As they work through the task, children gain insight into their own problem-solving and creative processes, understanding what strategies help them focus and succeed.

• Self-Control: Completing each step before moving on to the next teaches patience and impulse control, as they must manage their excitement and follow the process systematically to achieve the desired outcome.

• Frustration Tolerance: There are a few aspects of this task that might be challenging to a child. For example, tying knots, and threading the cord through the hole in the magnetic clasp (if the cord becomes frayed, it is harder to do.) These are good moments to model taking a slow, deep breath and choosing a helpful thought.

By engaging in this DIY crafting activity, children not only create a fun and functional item but also practice essential important life skills.

These bracelets are perfect for anyone seeking a discreet way to manage fidgeting or anxiety, especially in settings where calm and concentration are needed.

Feel free to experiment with different colors and bead patterns to make each bracelet uniquely yours. Share this fun and therapeutic activity with your students or colleagues and watch as everyone discovers the joy and satisfaction of DIY crafting.

For more counseling craft ideas, check out this blog post. And to learn more about how effective fidgets and sensory tools are (plus a list of my favorite tools), check out this blog post.