If you’ve been in an elementary school classroom lately, you may have seen some kids sitting on seats that look funny because they have nubs, bumps, or other interesting textures on them. These are called fidget pillows, and more and more kids are using them to help them concentrate and pay attention.
The main idea behind fidget cushions is that some kids need to move around a little while they work to stay awake and focused. Fidget cushions don’t stop people from moving or fidgeting by making them sit perfectly still and straight. Instead, they let people move and feel things in a controlled way, which can actually help them focus.
Elementary school teacher Jill Anderson says that a fidget cushion is a good way for kids who have a lot of energy and can’t sit still to get rid of their energy without bothering other people. “I’ve definitely seen fidget cushions help some of my students stay on task better during lessons and quiet work time.”
How to Use a Fidget Cushion There are a lot of different styles and patterns of fidget cushions, but most of them have a few things in common:
Textures with bumps or grooves that feel good when you touch, poke, or lean on them
Surfaces that are inflated or unsteady and need small muscle movements and contractions to keep balance
The hands can be used to squeeze, stretch, or shape soft, moldable objects.
The idea behind these cushions is that kids can use small, controlled moves and touching to get rid of some of their physical angst. It’s easier to stay still and concentrate at work when you give yourself small breaks to move around and fidget.
Research shows that some students can do well. There isn’t a lot of research on this yet, but a few studies suggest that fidget toys and cushions might help students who have trouble paying attention:
A University of California study found that students who used an inflated “disc-o-sit” style cushion were more focused and paid more attention than students who used regular chairs.
An Israeli elementary school study found that kids who were hyperactive did better at staying focused and motivated when they used an inflated cushion. Kids who were not hyperactive did not show any major differences.
A small study of students with ADHD found that fidget toys helped them concentrate better on schoolwork and felt less anxious.
“For the kids who really struggle to stay seated for long periods, a fidget cushion is a simple, unobtrusive tool to allow some movement and organise that extra energy in a less distracting way,” says Janet Bradley, an educator.
Not a Magic Bullet for Everyone Of course, fidget cushions aren’t going to suddenly turn all of your students into the most focused students ever. For kids who don’t have major attention or hyperactivity problems, standard chairs and cushions are still often better.
“You don’t want to put every student on a fidget cushion and think that’s a cure-all,” he says. “It’s just one option that some teachers choose to make available for the kids who seem to respond well to it.”
Even experts who are positive about fidget cushions warn that they should only be used as one part of a bigger plan to help kids concentrate. Breaks, exercise, fewer distractions, and compensation systems are still very important and shouldn’t be ignored.
Bradley also says it’s important to let kids choose the tools that work best for them. “A cushion or chair isn’t a straitjacket, so don’t force a fidget cushion on a kid who insists they concentrate better without it.”
For the Right Students, Give It a Try It’s clear that fidget cushions haven’t worked like magic in the classrooms that have tried them, but early research shows they might be helpful for some students.
If your child is very active and has trouble staying sat and focused, a fidget cushion might help. You can try it by itself or with other methods to help your child concentrate.
“It doesn’t work for everyone, but for those kids who just can’t stop moving, a fidget cushion gives them a low-key way to wiggle and fidget that doesn’t disturb anyone,” says Anderson.
More and more kids today seem to have trouble focusing and paying attention. A fidget cushion is a relatively cheap and unobtrusive tool that could be used as part of a larger plan to help students use their energy for useful learning.