All teachers have to do is ditch the classroom chair. A growing number are replacing them with exercise stability balls more associated with Pilates classes than schoolroom lectures as an innovative way to improve student posture and attention.
"They're awesome," gushed 10-year-old James Howell, a fourth-grader at Bauder Elementary School whose class switched to purple stability balls in January. "They help you focus, they help you keep your structure. And sometimes you get to bounce on them, get the wiggles out."
I can definitely see how these would benefit all children. Even children that do not have a diagnosed disability get the "wiggles" sometimes. Kudos to this school for thinking outside of the box and for doing whatever is necessary to promote the students' ability to learn.
Do you think these would benefit your child? Should they be required in schools. Or, should children at least have the option to use them if they choose?
You can read the full story via the San Francisco Chronicle website.
Hi. As a former school director and now directing Bend Learning Center, I've used these type of ball chairs for kids with sensory and attentional issues.
ReplyDeleteI've found they can be real useful for some. They can help with building core strength and providing balance feedback.
The problem is in thinking of this as a one-size-fits-all approach. That usually doesn't work, so I wouldn't be in favor of mandating or requiring them. Bottom line is they work well for some and are quite frankly a distraction for others.
Having said all that I'm definitely in favor of experimenting with these ball chairs with individual kids. Remember there are many different styles with different features (some with legs for example) and which ones you choose can make a difference.
We use these in our school and it's wonderful! Instead of having them for all, there are one more choice in seating, along with regular chairs, couches sometimes, wiggle seats or just working on the floor or standing up! Adults accommodate themselves well, why do we restrict kids from learning how?
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