How often are we (adults) able to sit still without shaking our leg or swaying back and forth? Not often! Well, imagine what it is like for kids in the classroom? Teachers expect them to sit still and focus on the lesson without moving. Stability balls can help both academically and physically.
I teach in a Title I school in South Carolina.
Our students are excited to come to school every day and strive to learn all they can. We have scored an A on our school report card for the last two years and continue to push ourselves to be better each year. We have students from many socioeconomic backgrounds, and we work together to help all students. Our students are eager to be the best they can be and believe in hard work. Our motto is "It is OK to be DIFFERENT!"
My Project
Imagine a classroom where all students are sitting on stability balls rather than a chair? Strange, I know! However, stability balls help students to focus and stay engaged on the content that they are exploring in class. When we slouch, we have the tendency to become relaxed and inattentive. When sitting on stability balls, our bodies continuously make muscular adjustments and keep us attentive.
Stability balls satisfy a child's need for movement (by balancing on the ball) during academic instruction. Brain research has shown that there is a link between movement and positive academic performance. Sitting on balls makes a student sit up straighter which increases blood flow to the brain and all parts of the body. Combining movement and increasing blood flow results in the ability to stay on task throughout the day and thus increases academic learning.
Stability balls have a positive impact on the student's posture, attention, and concentration.
Children who have experienced a stability ball in their classroom have stated they are excited to return to their balls after lessons on the rug and that they enjoy the active sitting which allows them to move without disturbing their classmates. Please help to be innovators and show the education world a new, creative way to help students be better learners!
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Bailey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.