We tried a squishy star with DSthen7 in the spring of second grade. I too was very excited to have thought of it, but as it turned out, DS was already sinking into "I don't want to be different," so even though I sent a dozen stars to class to be shared with other kids, it never took off and DS rarely used it.

I like the doodling idea, and (assuming we see the same problems in 3rd grade, only magnified) will keep it in mind. Thanks!