Ms. Phillips and Ms. Drosd's Kindergarten 2012-2013: Ms. Hancock came for a visit

Ms. Hancock came in to talk to us about learning tools and how they can be used in the classroom. She introduced two different wiggle cushions, a lap buddy, pencil grips, and different types of stress balls. She talked about how each person is different and that the tools may help some, and distract others. The wiggle cushions help the user engage their core and allow them to get their wiggles out in a small, non-distracting way. Some girls self-identified as being a "wiggler."

Ms. Hancock demonstrating how the lap buddy is used.

In small groups, the girls were able to rotate to different stations both in the classroom and across the hall in Ms. Hancock's office. In one station, the girls sat on the red wiggle cushions and completed a maze packet using pencil grips on their pencils. The girls noted that the grip was different than the one we use in our handwriting center.

G, A, and M using the red disc wiggle cushion.

M, L, T, and A trying them out.

I, and C working hard.

After testing the red cushion, a few said that it helped them concentrate, while others removed them saying that they were distracting. Our goal is for the girls to understand themselves and know what helps and hinders their learning.

In another station, the girls tried out the blue wedge wiggle cushion while using tongs to remove items from a container of rice. While many girls thought the red cushion was too wiggly, many thought the blue one was just right.

A, E, M, and A hunting for treasure.

L, C, and N adding to their cups.

In the final station, the girls tested out lap buddies. Lap buddies are a soft, heavy cushion filled with beads, intended to be placed on your lap. For some, the weighted feeling calms their mind and the beads can be used as a fidget between the fingers. The girls also tested out a variety of stress balls.