Fun Foot Fiddlers

Foot Fiddlers keep hands free for students to work

As an elementary school counselor, I often gave students stress balls, Koosh balls, and other hand fiddlers for them to relieve their nervous energy in class. However, teachers would often take them away from students since they became a distraction instead of being helpful.

While 19 million students have ADHD, anxiety disorder, or a learning disability, most students appreciate having a way to move throughout the day instead of having to sit still for 5-6 hours at their desk every day. There are numerous health, academic, and social benefits for students being able to be active learners in school instead of passive learners.

Some of the above resources have been very helpful for students. However, all of these resources can become exhausting and over-stimulating to children when they simply need a break to "anchor" or not be moving during the day. It can be difficult for students to have 2 different seats so they can alternate between having movement and being still.

Then came Foot Fiddlers! There are many different ways to help students relieve their extra energy, while keeping their hands free to work. Foot fiddlers allow students the opportunity to receive stimulation when they need some relief and then return to "normal." The different resources vary in price, assembly, and effectiveness. In full disclosure, I invented Bouncy Bands, so they are my favorite.

	Bouncy Bands for Chairs $13.95 Kindergarten through second grade students love being able to bounce their feet when they need relief from extra energy, anxiety, frustration, or even boredom. No more dangling feet or leaning back in their chairs.They help students stay focused and behaved in class so they can get more work done. Installs in less than 3 minutes. Amazon Kaplan BouncyBands.com
	Bouncy Bands for Desks $14.95 2-12th grade students enjoy being able to bounce their feet and stretch their legs to allow some movement in class when needed. Students can do better on tests since they can work longer while being able to relieve their frustration and anxiety. Installs in less than 2 minutes. Amazon Kaplan BouncyBands.com
	DeskCycle $159 Students and adults can burn calories while they work. A pedometer keeps track of distance pedaled. It assembles in under 5 minutes. The tension can adjust to fit your desired level of difficulty. Amazon mini Pedalers
	Foot Fidget $52.99 - $60.59 Students and adults can rest and bounce their feet on this padded suspension bar. It assembles with tools in less than 15 minutes and can be adjusted for different heights, depending on the desired height. Amazon Classroom Seating Solutions

In the comments below, please mention other resources you have found to be helpful with students.