Every teacher or parent comes to a point of frustration and exclaims "Can't you just sit still?!," to their students or children. For many kids it is very challenging to "sit still" for extended periods of time. Why do we demand this? Can students stay focused while still moving? I say, "OF COURSE!
I am a third grade teacher who also has a background in Special Education.
Therefore many of the students in my room struggle with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders. Disability or not, ALL of my students struggle, at times, with keeping their energy contained. What can I expect, THEYRE KIDS! In the past I have found myself becoming frustrated when looking around my classroom and students either do not stay seated in their chairs, are leaning backs on the legs, or are slouched down on their desks. These are all clear signs for disengagement. Of course, this provides me with clues to encourage my students to get up and move and incorporate hands on learning through inquiry in my classroom. I try to incorporate ways to engage my students in all of my teaching, But I still find instances when I have "lost" some students. I find myself constantly looking for ways to include movement in my classroom to engage my students at all times.
My Project
Research shows that replacing tradition chairs in classrooms with exercise balls allows students the stimulation to focus on tasks in school. Classrooms that use these balls have had very positive responses! Students are allowed structured movement while sitting on the balls throughout the day. These improve their engagement. Research also proves that sitting on these chairs provides better posture for children and engages the core muscles, providing physical exercise and also stimulating the area of the brain where learning takes place! Students who do not prefer to sit on these chairs are given the choice to sit on a chair. Also, guidelines are addressed at the beginning of the school year to discuss appropriate behaviors and uses of the balls. There are also times built into the day where the teacher can put on music and allow time to "play" with the balls. If they are used inappropriately, it is taken away from the student. They are given a regular chair until they earn it back.
This project is important to me because I've seen the success these chairs can have on students, and I want to share that same success with my class!
Obviously, just adding this resource to my classroom will not be a quick "fix" for student engagement. But my hopes are that it can be one piece to the puzzle! I continue to always look for new ways to excite my students and allow them to guide their learning. This is just one way I hope to help meet their needs to be as successful as they can be!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Dills and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.