'Fidget' Spin Your Classroom Learning
This year I have focused on trying to engage my students in meaningful ways. It was my first year and I searched for things to make the work we had to do more enjoyable and exciting. I first came across fidget spinners in the beginning of the year alongside fidget cubes. I did not think much of the tiny plastic toy until they started popping up in everyone's hands! I knew that they were here to stay for awhile when one of my normally studious students asked if we were allowed to have them in class! I politely declined and thought how can I use this toy craze to further our path of learning. It was towards the end of the year, when focus is waning and I thought I must seize the chance to use this!
Two things crossed my mind. Close reads and history. We have been working on close reads all year and I think it is a great opportunity to practice multiple reading skills. Next, I am always questioned or think about the history of something. Why does this exist? I was curious about who created the fidget spinner and how their thoughts led them to this invention. The age old question of why on my daily drives with my son lead to me to think that I am sure a lot of other kids where wondering this too. And so, The History of the Fidget Spinner article was born.
My class loved reading about the fidget spinner and showed such enthusiasm. I created a few more things to tap into this spinning madness, which my class loved as well. It is moments like this that I am on the look out for now because when we can excite our students about reading or writing...we have really accomplished such a huge task.
Enjoy!
*M
