Answer 1:  Each child is different and learns, differently, so that it hard to say. I will say that many students learn best by kinesthetic learning, which research shows that that  has proven to be effective.

Answer 2:  YES! Paraprofessionals are angels in disguise. Many paraprofessionals assist students with special needs in many ways. A few examples are making sure students travel from class to class successfully, making sure there are no accidents in the restroom, helping tie shoes, comforting students when situations occur that are stressful, and helping the teacher with anything that they need.

Answer 3:  Paraprofessionals make it manageable for students to be in the general education classroom, which is important to keep them in the least restrictive environment as possible. Paraprofessionals are able to help me help my students by teaching in smaller groups.

Answer 4:  It sometimes is difficult when not everyone gets along, which if a teacher and paraprofessional have differences of opinions regarding students or expectations of the paraprofessional, that can present challenges that may be perceived as a disadvantage.

Answer 5:  If they are used appropriately, absolutely I think they are helpful!

Answer 6: My students use fidget toys such as wiggle bands, bouncy cushions, velcro, and putty every single day in my classroom. 

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Answer 7:  We utilize assistive technology such as computers, Chromebooks, and laptops every day to assist in learning.

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Answer 8:  I personally am a fan of fidget toys if they are used appropriately. As an adult, I have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time, so I can only imagine what it is like for a 5-11 year to be asked to not move and sit down quietly for extended periods of time. Fidget toys, again, if used correctly, help students stay focused on the task at hand.

Answer 9:  Some students are more distracted by fidget toys that using them for the purpose of helping them focus. If not all students have fidget toys (such as spinners that are really popular right now), students become upset that they do not have one, so that has been a challenge managing who can utilize those toys. As a teacher, it is my rule that if a student has one that is their personal toy, they are the only ones allowed to use it. Other students have to use what I have.

Answer 10:   That is a complex question to answer. There are many outside factors that affect a student’s ability to stay focused in class that I have no control over; many students have hardships or medical diagnoses that they are going through or have that impedes their ability to focus in class. My attitude is that I cannot control outside factors such as what happens at home, but I can control what happens in my classroom. If a student is not engaged in the activity in my class, they will not stay focused. Elementary students are quick to tell you when something is boring or not. However, there are some standards that I am responsible for teaching that are not the most exciting, and it is my job to make it as engaging as possible (which is why I love kinesthetic learning).

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