Tools that help us learn in the classroom

This is my 9th year of teaching. I have had a lot of students over the years who have used different tools to help them concentrate and get their work done (I have, on occasion, used some similar tools myself.). Some of these tools we have in the classroom include earmuffs, wedge cushions, rocking chairs, and fidget tools (see pictures below). Here are some of the ways that students in our class are using, or have used, these tools:

"I use gum so that I don't bite my nails."
"I have used headphones so I don't get distracted from people talking to me."
"I can use stress balls when I'm angry - they calm me down."
"I chew gum when I'm in an airplane to help my ears not pop."
"I used to have this computer thing (called an e-writer) that I would do my writing on. I went to Mrs. Sokoloff's room, and then she sent it to the photocopier."
"When I was in Grade 2, I sometimes used a mini-earth ball so my hands won't get distracted and touch other stuff."
"Sometimes we chew gum to be quiet."
"I used to go to a calming room when I had too much energy."
"I used to use rocking chairs because my I had a hard time keeping all my chair legs on the ground."
"I sometimes use a wedge cushion on my chair to make me feel more comfortable when I sit down."
"I like the tools because they help us to not get distracted."

These tools are available in the classroom for the students to use, if they wish, to help them to concentrate and get their work done. Sometimes they use them, and sometimes they don't - it all depends on how they are feeling that day. What tools do you use in your classroom, or at your work, to help you to concentrate?

rocking chair

wedge cushion

ear muffs