However you always have a few, sometimes more than a few, that can't seem to focus and complete their work at any time of year. This year I have several little guys who are constantly off task. One is just very hyper active and needs to move constantly. He gets up and wanders around the room and then doesn't remember what he is supposed to be doing.
My other friends stay in their seats, but are full on daydreamers. I could be standing right in front of them giving directions and they will not hear a word I am saying until I physically touch them on the shoulder or say their names to get their attention.
I was recently contacted by FokusLabs to review a new product that can help remind students of what they are supposed to be doing.
Basically this wristband is like a Fitbit.
It vibrates to remind students to focus.
Students learn to refocus themselves and make sure
they are on task when they feel the vibration.
they are on task when they feel the vibration.
I tried it on my mover and shaker first. I showed him what it was and told him it was going to help him remember to stay on task and finish all of his work. I let him know that when he felt the buzz he needed to notice what he was doing and make sure he was completing his work.
I think he felt pretty special wearing it. I kept my eye on him and noticed that he wasn't talking as much and completed much more work than he normally does. He didn't seem to be distracted by it either since it is such a simple design. No lights or sounds to bother him.
I had him wear it the whole week and I saw a significant improvement in his work. At lunch and recess I had him take it off so it wouldn't get lost or ruined outside. One afternoon I didn't tell him to put it on and he came to my desk and asked if he could wear it!
The following week I used it on one of my major daydreamers. Again I explained what it was and why I wanted him to wear it. It definitely kept him focused and I rarely saw that glassy eyed look he gets when he drifts off.
The wristband can be easily charged by plugging it right into your USB port on your computer. When you see the blue light it is charged. The charge lasts the whole week. The instructions walk you step by step on how to set it up and change the timer. There is also a homework mode for parents to use to help work get completed at home.
So what do I think of this little gadget overall?
I think it is a great tool to help keep daydreamers on task while doing independent seat work. I found it very useful in the morning, but not as effective in the afternoons. When I asked my students who used it what they thought, they said that they really liked it and wanted to keep wearing it. My little guy with lots of energy liked it, but I don't think there is anything that could keep him focused for longer than a few minutes before he gets up. A treadmill desk would probably be the best thing for him!!
This would be great for a variety of students with different abilities and ages who have trouble keeping on task. I love that it also lasts a whole week without having to charge it!
What are some cons of this little gadget? The biggest problem I found was that students forgot to take it off and it went out to recess a few times. I am afraid it might get lost or damaged. Students also forgot to put it back on when they came back from their breaks. I am sure a little visual reminder on their desks to take it off and put it back on would help.
The other thing is the price. It is quite expensive for teachers. I will have to write a Donor's Choose project to get a few more of these in my classroom.
Does this sound like something that would be helpful for students in your class? Check out this video to get more information or check out the Fokuslabs Website to learn more.
I totally know which little friend I would have wear it! Great review. Thanks!
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