A new toy used for kids who have anxiety and ADHD has made its way into schools. These fidget spinners are used for kids to play with at their desk without being a distraction to others.
The basic fidget spinner has three prongs, with a place in the center for the thumb and pointer finger. Once one of the prongs is spun, only a blur is visible. The new toy, called a fidget spinner, is supposed to relieve stress. According to npr.org, “Teachers and parents need to remember there are no quick fixes for children who have ADHD, like buying a toy.”
The fidget spinners’ purpose is to be something quiet to do in class rather than clicking and flipping a pen. According to gizmodo.com, “Teachers don’t like these new toys. They are more distracting in class then a student who is clicking his or her pen.”
At Pleasant Valley, these toys have shown up at all the schools, elementary through high school. Students are using them in class, so they can sit still and listen. Michael Showers, senior, said, “I think fidget spinners are distracting in class. This is because people are using them to do tricks, and not for their original purpose.”
Hopewell Elementary School has banned these toys from school. They are distracting to the students and causing a lot of problems with theft. Ashton Olson, fourth grader at Cody Elementary School, said, “I like using the fidget spinner. My teacher lets us use them as long as we put them away when we are told.”
Many teachers are hoping the fidget spinners don’t return after the summer. They are a distraction to the class and should only be used for the students who need them.
