{"product_id":"arks-brick-stick-chewable-pencil-topper-sensory-chew-for-kids","title":"ARK's Brick Stick Chewable Pencil Topper - Sensory Chew for Kids","description":"\u003ch2\u003eARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eARK's Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper is a medical-grade sensory chewing tool that fits over a standard HB pencil, giving children and adults who need oral sensory input a safe and appropriate outlet during writing tasks. Made from FDA-compliant, latex-free elastomer and manufactured in the USA by ARK Therapeutic, the ARK Brick Stick® replaces the habit of chewing pencil ends, pen lids, and clothing with a purpose-built chew that is durable, hygienic, and easy to use in any classroom setting.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow It Helps\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChewing is a recognised self-regulation strategy. It activates the proprioceptive system, helping to calm the nervous system, improve focus, and reduce anxiety. For pupils with autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences, or dyspraxia, the physical act of chewing during a cognitively demanding task such as writing can provide just enough sensory input to allow them to concentrate. The ARK Brick Stick® Chewable Pencil Topper also adds a small amount of weight to the pencil shaft, which increases proprioceptive feedback through the hand and can support more consistent pencil grip and positioning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe topper is solid at the chewing end and hollow at the other, allowing it to slide securely over a standard HB pencil. The surface features large bumps on the front and small bumps on the back, providing varied tactile input for different sensory preferences. Three colour-coded firmness levels allow parents, teachers, and therapists to select the most appropriate resistance: Standard for mild chewers, XT (Extra Tough) for moderate chewers, and XXT (Extra Extra Tough) for pupils with high oral sensory needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy It Works in Schools and Classrooms\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiscreet and unobtrusive:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Brick Stick® sits on the pencil like any other topper and does not draw attention to the pupil using it, making it easier to implement within a whole-class environment without disruption or stigma.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThree firmness levels support a range of needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e SENCOs and occupational therapists can select the correct resistance level for each pupil, or trial all three to find the best fit, supporting targeted SEN provision and EHCP objectives around focus and self-regulation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReplaces unsafe chewing behaviour:\u003c\/strong\u003e Many pupils chew pencil ends, clothing, or stationery. The ARK Brick Stick® provides a safe, hygienic alternative that can be easily built into a pupil's sensory diet or intervention plan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable from Year 1 upwards:\u003c\/strong\u003e Recommended for children aged 6 and above, the age at which most pupils begin using standard pencils, making it appropriate across KS1, KS2, KS3, and into secondary school and adult settings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEasy to clean and replace:\u003c\/strong\u003e The toppers can be wiped down between uses, and the low unit cost makes them practical for individual pupil use without concern about sharing or cross-contamination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFor Home Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eParents will find the ARK Brick Stick® equally useful for homework sessions, reading time, or any activity where their child needs something to chew in order to settle and focus. It pairs well with eraser-less pencils, one of which is included with each topper.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Research Behind Chewing as a Self-Regulation Strategy\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOral motor input - including chewing - is a well-established component of sensory integration therapy and is commonly recommended by occupational therapists working with children who have sensory processing difficulties. Chewing provides deep proprioceptive input through the jaw, which has a calming and organising effect on the central nervous system. For pupils with dyspraxia, autism spectrum conditions, or ADHD, access to appropriate oral sensory tools during desk-based tasks is increasingly recognised as a practical, low-barrier form of environmental support.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you are unsure which firmness level is right for a particular child, the ARK Therapeutic colour-coding system makes it straightforward to start at the softest level and work up as needed. If you would like any guidance, our team is happy to help.\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"ARK","offers":[{"title":"Softest \/ Red","offer_id":57498292879742,"sku":"TA2356-S-RED","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Softest \/ Magenta","offer_id":57498362544510,"sku":"TA2356-S-MAGENTA","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Softest \/ Dark Blue","offer_id":57498362577278,"sku":"TA2356-S-DBLUE","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Softest \/ Translucent Green","offer_id":57498362610046,"sku":"TA2356-S-TGREEN","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Lime Green","offer_id":57498363036030,"sku":"TA2356-M-LGREEN","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Teal","offer_id":57498363068798,"sku":"TA2356-M-TEAL","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Hot Pink","offer_id":57498363101566,"sku":"TA2356-M-HPINK","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Medium \/ Translucent Blue","offer_id":57498363134334,"sku":"TA2356-M-TBLUE","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Royal Blue","offer_id":57498363560318,"sku":"TA2356-T-RBLUE","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Forest Green","offer_id":57498363593086,"sku":"TA2356-T-FGREEN","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Lavender","offer_id":57498363625854,"sku":"TA2356-T-LAVENDER","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Orange","offer_id":57498363658622,"sku":"TA2356-T-ORANGE","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Toughest \/ Translucent Red","offer_id":57498363691390,"sku":"TA2356-T-TRED","price":8.49,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0653\/6560\/6649\/files\/ark-brick-stick-chewable-pencil-toppers__13931.webp?v=1780394920","url":"https:\/\/www.thedyslexiashop.co.uk\/products\/arks-brick-stick-chewable-pencil-topper-sensory-chew-for-kids","provider":"The Dyslexia Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}