First graders love to learn but have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. Often you will see students wiggling in their seats or rocking in their chairs which often leads to falling out of their seat and onto the floor, loss of concentration, or behavioral problems.
Students will often ask if they can stand while learning or sit on the floor so they can move around. During a morning class meeting, a student said his sister had a balance ball that she sits on to do her work, it makes her think better. He said he tried it and he liked it, it works! He suggested I buy some for the class because it would help them think better and not fall out of their chairs. The class started cheering! With that much excitement, I knew I had to include more flexible seating in our room and allow students to choose where they work and learn best.
Movement is the key to learning. Students learn best through kinetic activity. Small movements can be beneficial to a student's activity level. Balance balls help students improve their balance and body posture while helping students stay engaged. A standing desk will allow a student to stand and move while working and also increases better blood flow to the brain which helps with improved concentration.
Students with ADHD and ADD need the chance to move and release energy. Bouncy bands, wobble chairs, and wiggle cushions help students continue to learn while accommodating their physical need to move.
With so many children not getting the recommended physical activity they need every day, flexible seating in my classroom would help create a movement-rich environment where all students are engaged, learning is happening, and everyone is living a healthier life style.
About my class
First graders love to learn but have a hard time sitting still for long periods of time. Often you will see students wiggling in their seats or rocking in their chairs which often leads to falling out of their seat and onto the floor, loss of concentration, or behavioral problems.
Students will often ask if they can stand while learning or sit on the floor so they can move around. During a morning class meeting, a student said his sister had a balance ball that she sits on to do her work, it makes her think better. He said he tried it and he liked it, it works! He suggested I buy some for the class because it would help them think better and not fall out of their chairs. The class started cheering! With that much excitement, I knew I had to include more flexible seating in our room and allow students to choose where they work and learn best.
Movement is the key to learning. Students learn best through kinetic activity. Small movements can be beneficial to a student's activity level. Balance balls help students improve their balance and body posture while helping students stay engaged. A standing desk will allow a student to stand and move while working and also increases better blood flow to the brain which helps with improved concentration.
Students with ADHD and ADD need the chance to move and release energy. Bouncy bands, wobble chairs, and wiggle cushions help students continue to learn while accommodating their physical need to move.
With so many children not getting the recommended physical activity they need every day, flexible seating in my classroom would help create a movement-rich environment where all students are engaged, learning is happening, and everyone is living a healthier life style.
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