Silly Bandz Hit The Classroom

By Alyson Hunt, Reporter

Several area schools have banned the newest popular children's toy called Silly Bandz. Photographed Thursday, Oct. 14, 2010, in southeast Cedar Rapids. (Jim Slosiarek/SourceMedia Group News)

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By Aaron Hepker

Story Created: Oct 14, 2010 at 5:47 PM CDT

Story Updated: Oct 14, 2010 at 5:48 PM CDT

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa - The newest craze among kids is causing some schools to ban the bracelets. Kids collect Silly Bandz in different colors and shapes. However, several area schools say the bands are disrupting learning, so they are kicking them out of class.

Kids just can’t get enough of them. On your wrist, they look like any other rubber band. If you take them off they morph into Tweety bird, super heros, hearts, and dozens of other shapes. This week Pierce Elementary School in Cedar Rapids decided to put an end to the fad. The school decided to ban the silicone bracelets for students in Kindergarten, First and Second grade. Teachers say Silly Bandz were too much of a distraction.

Second grade teacher, Janet Fosdick, can already see a dramatic difference since the policy started. She says students are more attentive during class and she is able to get through lessons quicker. Teachers were also concerned because the bracelets were dangerous at times.

Students are adjusting to the new policy, but Silly Bandz are still a popular craze among them. Students can be seen wearing them and trading them on the bus, but must keep them inside their backpacks during the day. Cedar Rapids St. Pius Catholic School also has a ban against Silly Bandz.

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