Fidget Spinners – Our Newest Craze!

It seems as if all the children at my son’s school have them.

I have even come across some adults with them.

As most of you are aware they were designed for children who have ADD or ADHD, the reason is due to their inability to focus for periods of time.

A Closer Look at ADHD & ADD

The definition of ADHD according to the dictionary: includes a combination of persistent problems, such as difficulty sustaining attention, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior.

ADD is defined in the dictionary as: persistent symptoms of inattention (such as distractibility, forgetfulness, or disorganization) or by symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity (such as fidgeting, speaking out of turn, or restlessness) or by symptoms of all three and that is not caused by any serious underlying physical or mental disorder.

Here’s How Spinners May Be Helpful

The fidget spinners allow children/adults to use their hands to fidget and still focus on the teacher, presentation, homework etc. They seem to be a really good idea for children who struggle with focus. However, I was speaking to a friend the other day and he made a good point, he asked me “What did kids do 3 weeks ago when these fidget spinners did not exist?”. It made me think that he had a point, what and how did children focus in school. I am sure that teachers had items for children to manipulate (stress balls, silly putty etc).

It made me think that he had a point, what and how did children focus in school. I am sure that teachers had items for children to manipulate (stress balls, silly putty etc). Since fidget spinners do exists why not experiment with them to see if they are beneficial to children who struggle with ADD/ADHD.

Spinners Banned in School?

Last week, my son wanted to bring his fidget spinner to school, we brought it and made a point of asking his teacher if it was okay for him to have it along with some of his other fidget toys.

We were told that it is an issue in the classroom and that they are banned.

I understand from their perspective that the children are using them and they are distracting during class time.

I am perplexed as to why the children such as my son who need them to pay attention are being told that they cannot have them. If this is what my son and others require to pay attention and gain an education, why should he have to suffer?

This also brings me to my next point that each child and adults learns differently;

– there are visual learners

– kinesthetic learners

– audio learners

– verbal learners

why are the schools and even daycares not fostering the children’s learning styles? I recognize that this may be almost impossible for some due to large class

I recognize that this may be almost impossible for some due to large class sizes. Thus, the school boards should be looking at adding more classrooms to allow for smaller class sizes to foster children’s development rather than having them fall through the cracks. From my personal experience with the school system, my son is in SK and is already one of those children who

From my personal experience with the school system, my son is in SK and is already one of those children who are falling through the cracks. We have monthly arguments with the school to ensure that he is getting the education that he deserves.

Let’s Keep The Conversation Going

My last blog was about advocating for your children.

I will again stress the importance of this. If children require these fidget spinners, I personally feel that they should be allowed in schools and fostering children’s development.