10 Reasons Alternative Seating is the Answer
10 Reasons Alternative Seating is the Answer
by Ashlon Morris
by Ashlon Morris
Traditional seating is so out of date
via phhstrailblazer.org
Desks in rows is out of date! It's the twenty-first century, yet school is still as if its in the 1870's (with the exception of computers and technology). Traditional seating was the perfect set-up for classrooms when there was no electricity and students' depended on natural lighting to see. But with the invention of electricity we no longer need to depend on the sun (duhh). Why do we still treat a classroom like its the twentieth century, when it's 2019?
Traditional desks and chairs are just too small
via blueprintlsat.com
These desks and chairs are a one size fits all, but do they really fit all? Not everyone is the same height. How do you expect a 6'1" football player fit in a desk made for a 5"4" teenager? It has been proven that students' who are off task is because their body is uncomfortable in a seat that is too small for them. Not to mention they have to sit in these chairs for about 6 hours every day for 5 days a week. I know I would rather sit in a nice comfy chair while taking notes, or at least have enough room to stretch out my legs without hitting the desk in front of me.
No one wants to sit still all day
via www.unpluggd.ca
Kids need to move about every 10 minutes. Any longer than that and they start to become tired and are more likely to space out because they are not able to move around and stimulate their physical senses. for example standing or simply moving into a different position. Aren't you just tired of seeing your students' sleeping while you are passionately talking about the best book ever made (Junie B. Jones in my opinion). Let's make learning fun again and engaging for students' so they want to learn.
The reason behind the madness
via Gobles.org
The idea of alternative seating started up from an occupational therapist based on a sensory integration theory. In simple words, this is the best way to keep the daily routine of school procedure in place, but adding seating choices. This enables students' to interact with each other more and stimulates their sensory and motor skills.
Standing desks
via StandUpKids.org
The standing desk allows students' to either stand or sit on a stool while doing classwork. This enables them to keep moving so they are not spacing out and keep blood flowing while doing classwork This is a very inexpensive solution for your classroom. All you need are desks that can be raised and stools. Simple as that!
Foot fidgets
via reviewfinch.com
Foot fidgets is the perfect solution for your classroom if you have students' with ADHD and have a hard time concentrating for long periods of time. It is a band that attaches to the bottom of the chair and allows them to move their feet while doing their work. This simple task stimulates their sensory needs. This is not very expensive, and all you need is a regular desk and band around the legs of the chair.
Therapy balls
via nwherald.com
Therapy balls have been tested in elementary classrooms, and has proven to increase the students' focus on assignments and the overall behavior in the classroom. The therapy balls decrease negative posture and allows them to be more comfortable. Individual test scores also improved when teachers switched from regular chairs to therapy balls. This may be a more expensive solution for alternative seating, but the studies have shown that it is definitely worth it.
Disc'o' sit cushions
via EnableArt.com
Disc 'o' seat cushions is an easy fix for your classroom. All you need is the cushions and regular chairs. The textured side gives students' the ability to move around in their seat and not be in one stiff position. It enables them to use their sensory input because they are able to be in different positions throughout class time. It is a simple way to bring fun cushions to your classroom!
The study proves it
via NBCNews.com
The study that has been mentioned in this article, was children that were in the general education classes. The ideas made about benefits for other children that are not in the general education classes, were based on previous knowledge from past years of studies. However, the study did show that there was a great increase of attention spans and on-task behaviors which led to increased test scores, when students' used alternative seating. So, let's switch and see for ourselves!
Happy students' is happy learning
via Teach.com
The most important thing for children is to be able to learn to the best of their ability. If you are in a room that has no color or anything interesting to do, you won't want to be there. If you walk into a room that is boring and everyone seems so depressed, are you going to want to stay long? No! All you will do is count down the minutes to leave. This is the perfect fix to that problem! If students' are able to pick a seat that is more inviting and comfortable, they will actually want to be in the classroom and learn. You want to see your students' succeed but also enjoy themselves, so why not do both?