Kids Get on the Ball to Stay Fit and Focused
By: Jen Mueller,
SparkPeople Blogger
11/13/2009 2:36 PM
: 128 comments
: 12,178 Views
Stability balls are a common piece of workout equipment- whether at the gym or at home. Some people even use them in place of a chair while sitting at work, because they help with posture and core strengthening. But what about kids who are sitting in a classroom for hours each day? Surprisingly, the benefits aren't just physical, but mental as well.
Chicago-area teacher Donna Yehl did an Internet search to find creative ways to help her restless fourth-graders focus better at school. She found stories about how stability balls not only help improve the posture of students, but also sharpen their attention and improved concentration. So this school year, metal and plastic chairs were replaced by 21-inch stability balls in colors the children chose themselves.
Almost immediately, she noticed the children sitting taller and focusing better during class. Although they aren't common, using stability balls in the classroom is gaining popularity. According to Dr. John Ratey from Harvard University, "Indications are that the tiny movements kids make while balancing stimulate their brains and help them focus." Professor John Kilbourne from Grand Valley State University conducted a similar experiment with college students who felt their concentration and focus improved when sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair.
Balls can also be a more cost-effective option compared to a traditional chair. Although teachers were concerned about misuse early on, by setting boundaries and presenting the balls as a privilege, they haven't had issues with kids misbehaving.
What do you think? Is it just a fad, or could they be on to something?
Chicago-area teacher Donna Yehl did an Internet search to find creative ways to help her restless fourth-graders focus better at school. She found stories about how stability balls not only help improve the posture of students, but also sharpen their attention and improved concentration. So this school year, metal and plastic chairs were replaced by 21-inch stability balls in colors the children chose themselves.
Almost immediately, she noticed the children sitting taller and focusing better during class. Although they aren't common, using stability balls in the classroom is gaining popularity. According to Dr. John Ratey from Harvard University, "Indications are that the tiny movements kids make while balancing stimulate their brains and help them focus." Professor John Kilbourne from Grand Valley State University conducted a similar experiment with college students who felt their concentration and focus improved when sitting on a stability ball instead of a chair.
Balls can also be a more cost-effective option compared to a traditional chair. Although teachers were concerned about misuse early on, by setting boundaries and presenting the balls as a privilege, they haven't had issues with kids misbehaving.
What do you think? Is it just a fad, or could they be on to something?
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Comments
Also, I have a 7 year old who is in a special ed class. His teach has him use one. HUGE difference. - 11/16/2009 12:17:56 PM
I never did agree with the expectation of children sitting still in class. It's ridiculous for us to try and smother their natural energy, It just needs to be channeled correctly! Thank U for sharing this!! - 11/16/2009 12:12:44 AM
The lightbulb just went off...now I have the solution to my discomfort at the computer. I've been struggling on these two chairs at the computer (one is the type you kneel on) and one is on wheels, and both are not right for my disability and herniated discs. The ball is sitting on the floor right next to me. Duh. Why didn't I think to have it here at the computer. Thanks for the suggestion. And PS I think the higher chairs are best in classrooms. Higher tables and higher chairs are the way to go...not low sitting desks. in loving kindness, Linda the Gardener - 11/15/2009 9:04:56 AM
Great Ball of Fire! - 11/15/2009 7:44:27 AM
Making it a priviledge to use one is a great idea.
Kudos! - 11/15/2009 6:27:15 AM
Also, a few posters have mentioned physical activity - I have found that THIS works great - let a fidgety kid get up, stretch, run a quick errand, go for a brief walk, shoot a few hoops, march in place, do some jumping jacks, etc. Costs nothing and really seems to help kids refocus. - 11/14/2009 6:09:44 PM
Maggie j. - 11/14/2009 5:33:30 PM
Maybe the balls help. I've read that fidgeting, which drives teachers nuts, actually helps ADD kids concentrate. The stability balls may fill that need to fidget. - 11/14/2009 5:15:36 PM
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