Retail Value: $7.99 at TJ Maxx Amazon
Uses: Kids really like putting together this puzzle (plus, they can use it on my puzzle pad) Take out the puzzle letter by letter practicing letter names and sounds. Once assembled it’s super cute. I have a kindergartener who uses it everyday. She does not seem to get sick of it.
Retail Value: $8.99
Uses: I spent a bit more on these than the average fidget. These are more like a break time fidget because it requires a students attention. It’s not one to have at the desk or while a student needs to have their attention elsewhere.
Retail Value: $6.99 Amazon There are several versions (I own them all)
Uses: Kids LOVED these. Such a hit. Really, really recommend. They can take off stickers and create scenes over and over. It’s especially good for those kids who want to tell these amazing stories, yet cannot write it or draw it. These act as prompts for writing assignments. I had my kids create a scene with a story to it and write about it. Example below.
Retail cost: $5.00 for 10 (I got mine at Ikea)
Uses: Some kids like to read with these critters on their fingers. They are also good when reading a story with the same kind of characters (like a story featuring a panda bear, parrot, etc.)
I have a kid with fine motor difficulties practice putting each puppet on his fingers and taking each off one by one.
Retail cost: $8.00 for a 4 pack
Uses: Kids with writing difficulty, fine motor skills, or trouble comfortably grasping a regular pencil enjoy using this tool. Downside is that some kids do not like using an entirely different looking writing tool. Others don’t care about that and it simply is too awkward for them to learn to use.
Retail Value: $7.99 Amazon
Uses: Kids love that the ball “magically” switches colors in the air. We try to get as many same colors in a row. My record is 24 yellows. I’ve had my students make predictions. We used it when working in math groups on odds/evens, charts and graphs, predictions, addition and subtraction. It’s really fun just to have it around and toss it to take a brain break. My husband demanded his own when I took it into the classroom.
Retail cost: $5.00 for a 2” tub. Amazon
Uses: Great for fidgeters. I use this all the time while watching TV. It’s different than silly putty or play dough as it doesn’t leave a weird residue or break down (with limitations) from the oils on your hand. Larger sizes are available, but I recommend this size because it’s small enough to fit unobtrusively in the student’s desk.
classroom treasure hunting 