Hello Christian Friends & Homeschoolers,
To buy or not to buy, that is the question! For some people a fidget spinner is just the thing they need to help with anxiety, ADHD, or autism. For others, it is a distraction. Lots of kids just want one for fun. How do you know if you should incorporate a fidget spinner in your homeschooling program? Let’s look at the research on the pro side of the aisle.
One expert, Dr. Trelles, (New York) advocates that these little toys (fidget spinners) can really improve focus and help create inner calm. This psychiatrist believes the answer lies in them being used as a type of coping mechanism to help those with higher-than-average energy levels, anxiety, or extreme sensitivity to certain environments. She uses the example that someone who is hypersensitive to the environment might bite their nails, pull out their cuticles, or pinch their skin. The fidget spinner is seen as a less harmful way for people to express themselves.
The fidget spinner can be used as a supplement treatment. In other words, just like using a stress ball, flicking a fidget spinner is considered a rapid stress management technique (RSMT). It is believed that the repetitive act of spinning the toy may help people from feeling like they need to jump out of their chairs. This is just one of many types of coping strategies to help children deal with anxiety, ADHD and autism. Other gadgets include fidget balls, fidget cubes, tactile sensory balls, rubberized twist-able fidgets, stretch balls and other therapy devices to help promote focus.
I bought myself a fidget spinner just last week on Amazon so I could comment on the product based on personal experience. It is called the Pro Glide Moon Shine Metal Fidget Spinner Toy made in the USA. It is a reflection spinner, lead free, mercury free, holds up to being dropped, and comes with a 100% risk-free purchase. So far I have only used it for about 20 minutes. During that time I looked on U-Tube to view videos of special moves. In the little time I have used it, it has been fun and relaxing. It can be used as a recreational toy or to improve focus. Find out for yourself if you want to use a fidget spinner in your homeschooling program.
