Fidget Spinners, Fidget Spinners, Fidget Spinners! It seems that everywhere you go you see a kid with a small spinning toy in their hand that they can’t stop fidgeting with. These small spinning toys that look like miniature ceiling fans range anywhere from five dollars to as much as $25 and is what every kid is crazy about.
According to an article on National Public Radio (NPR) teachers are seeing both positive and negative effects of these toys in the classroom. Toys flying across the room and students being distracted by them are just a few of the negative outcomes that occur when Fidget Spinners are present in school. Although most teachers aren’t fond of these toys in their teaching enviroment, some have noticed a quieter classroom and an increase in student participitation. So why is there such a controversy over the benefits of these toys?
- Fidget Spinners, especially those with LED lights, are competing with the teacher in gaining the students undivided attention.
- They prompt competition within students over who has the best Fidget Spinner, which can lead bullying.
- They may cause social isolation since utilizing the toy does not require more than one user.
- Choking hazards with many of the Fidget Spinners having removable pieces.
- Take away time from physical activity that leads to an unhealthy lifestyle.
Originally Fidget Spinners, one of many fidgeting toys, were made with the purpose of calming down the user and relieving stress. Most students who have seen the positive effects of using the toy are those with ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder and Anxiety. An article published by Forbes, state that these toys work by triggering parts of the brain that would otherwise be distracted by other thoughts. Now, we all know how kids are. Once one of their friends has something, they just have to have it too. If a kid doesn’t have these disorders and utilize the toy for its purpose more than likely they would see it as a form of entertainment.
Here are a few natural ways to help kids relieve stress and focus in the classroom
- Studies have shown that an hour of exercise a day has shown an increase in efficient brain activity.
- Teachers can make learning more interactive and physical which will stimulate the student’s brain in comparison to just sitting in a desk for 8 hours.
- Interesting lesson plans will allow students to be more excited about learning which will help them focus
- Multitasking activities will allow student’s brains to be stimulated, increasing their attention span.
- Having a nutritional breakfast will allow for a better focus by having nutrients that benefit brain stimulation
- Give students breaks throughout the day so their brain can recharge.
