Silly Bandz

Yesterday, I was subbing a Universal Pre-K class, where my students actually taught me about the new craze of “silly bandz.” Usually up to date with the new trends, I was bombarded by students with silicone bracelets going up their arms. When removed they reverted back to their original shape of animals, foods and other objects. I asked one student where she got them. She responded so innocently saying, “I broke my piggy bank to get money to buy them….”

A distraction at first for many became a learning device and show and tell for them. This week’s theme was patterns and at first my students had trouble with the concept and concentrating. We all know once we replace numbers with oranges and apples everything become easier. Using the different shapes and colors of the “bandz,” my students quickly picked up the concept and found fun out of learning. Years ago when “Power Rangers” were famous, the action figures weren’t permitted at first in my brother’s preschool because they promoted violence. Once the teacher realized of the shows success, she used the “Power Rangers” as a learning device to teach colors.

In some schools (such as the girls I baby-sit), “silly bandz” were banned from the classrooms. Kids abused the trend causing a stir throughout the school. They brought them to school, trading them which caused fights and/or money being exchanged through the children. There was also a safety concern brought up by their principal. Students who wore multiple bracelets began to lose circulation and experience tingling in their fingers. “Bullies” would also shoot them across the classroom hitting classmates and their teachers.

Like other fads, this one turned viral and will shortly dwindle, making room for others. I wonder what our next trend or “learning device” may be. A teacher must grab and keep the students attention by drawing connections with things that interest them. It makes learning fun on a whole new level.