The top ten questions...
Distraction or Concentration?

I would have to say that for many of these questions, we need to look at the circumstances following the first few weeks. After laying down the expectations and adjusting them to fit the classroom culture, student needs, and classroom maturity, we have come to the conclusion as a school that this is something that helps concentration 95% of the time, and are a distraction for brief moments if a student is having a rough day and forgets the expectations.

What are the best kinds?

As you can see from my notes below, the best kinds are the types that are not easily ripped or broken. My two favorites are the Tangle Jr. and the stress balls. Aside from these two, there are many others that work well. It is important to have a variety for all students.

What does the research show?

Well, the research that I have conducted at our school can be concluded with this picture. After testing these out in our middle school English classroom, our Administration has decided to purchase school logo fidget toys for all middle school classrooms. We have just received these hearts that are being place on all desks in the middle school.

What steps should one take in introducing these?

Please be patient as my expectations may not work perfectly for your class and you may need to alter them as you see fit. For the introduction, you may find my rules and expectations listed below very helpful. Please keep in mind, this is something that takes time and patience if you truly want to incorporate these in the classroom.

What students benefit the most?

I found that all of my students benefit from these, but I have heard many comments of appreciation from my students with extra energy. This does not just benefit the students with ADD or ADHD, but benefits all kids.

 

Do Schools in San Diego use them?

I have been looking for schools in San Diego that have been incorporating these. I have found some chats on Twitter that have given me new ideas though. I am now looking into pencil topper fidget toys! They would make a great prize!

Should students have personal toys?

As you can see from one of my previous posts, it depends on the child. I have one student who has trouble picking toys that will not become a distraction, but he does check them in with me before using them. I say keep it as an option for students.

What can the use teach students?

I have come to realize that not only do these toys help with my students concentration, but they also help them to keep a hold on their self-control and independence.

Are their grants?

I have not found any grants, but if anyone knows of any, please send me the information!

What are the negatives?

I am happy to say that there are few negatives. If you are looking to do this, one of the biggest obstacles would be the cost for toys. If you shop around, you can save lots. There are also many that you can make.  The other downside is that like all new things, it takes time to work through the kinks.

I have found that after showing much success in the classroom, it was time to allow students to bring their own. I did not offer this in the beginning due to the fact that expectations needed to be altered a bit to find out how these toys can be most affective. Now, I allow students to bring their own personal fidget toys from home. There are a few conditions, they may not bring any toys that are already in the class collection to be sure that they are not mixed up. They must also check in with me before class so that I may clear it as a possible fidget toy. I thought that more students would want to bring something from home, but it turns out that I only have a few students from each class that have decided to do so. 

1. Students may only use one fidget toy at a time.
2. If a student wants to switch, the toy must go back in the basket first.
3. Students may not pass fidget toys to one another.
4. If your eyes are on the fidget toy, then the toy is not working for you.
5. Fidget toys may not leave the students' hands. (no bouncing or throwing)
6. Fidget toys should not make extra noise. (This needs to be clarified for each toy.)

As I sat in a parent meeting for a new student, I heard this.
"Mom, this school even has fidget toys for us to play with in class so I can focus and not get in trouble."

As much as I hate hearing a student comment about getting in trouble at a previous school, I love that he is happy with where he is now. 

Do switch the fidget toys out each week. They will get bored of them. They will get dirty. Unfortunately, too much time can lead to them wanting to use them incorrectly (poking holes, picking, etc)

Don't use anything that has limbs or small pieces hanging off of them. They will be ripped off accidentally... even by your calmest students.

Do use dog toys! I purchased dog toys because they are incredibly durable. The students giggled and asked if they could chew on them. I said "no".

Don't be afraid to give out special reward fidget toys. I have purchased some toys just for reward purposes and not for classroom purposes so that I know which ones should remain in the class. They students feel so special having those that they may keep with them throughout the day.