Fidget Spinners in The Classroom

Teachers are always looking for ways to capture student interest, yet many educators are often quick to outlaw the very things that students are most interested in. Rather than banning Fidget Spinners, why not embrace them and use them as tools for learning?

#TeachDifferent Reading Roundup

What Does Our Discomfort with Fidget Spinners Say About Education?–If you're not following Tom Mulllaney @TomEMullaney, you should start now. His insightful writings always challenge the status quo, and this article is no exception. "Some educators are uncomfortable with fidget spinners because they distract from a traditional, teacher-centered, industrial model of education that relies on learners paying attention and distractions kept to an absolute minimum." www.bamradionetwork.com

Whirring, Purring Fidget Spinners Provide Entertainment, Not ADHD Help–While I don't agree with the teacher in this article (and certainly don't support the policy of her school), this article does clarify one important misconception. While fidget spinners are popular and offer many opportunities for learning, there is no evidence that they help with ADHD, anxiety, PTSD, etc. NPR.org

Fidget Spinners: From Banned to BandWagon to Banked – Instant Relevance–Denis Sheeran has compiled a free fidget spinner lesson collection of 20+ fidget spinner activities. denissheeran.com

10 Fun Lesson Ideas with Fidget Spinners–Lucie Renard shares 10 fidget spinner lesson ideas, including ideas for math, ELA, and more. www.bookwidgets.com

Here’s How to Put a Fun and Educational Spin on Fidget Spinners–This post from The Learning Channel includes links to make your own fidget spinners, and some great challenge cards to tap into the curiosity of preschool students. TLC