There are some students who just cannot contain their bodies sitting in a chair. Their attention suffers as they writhe and wiggle through lessons. In response, try to provide standing stations in the classroom. Find a counter or table high enough to accommodate the standing student. You can add a slanted desktop or large three ring binder as a surface. It is amazing to see the effect this has on their performance!
The idea of standing to work is popping up all over. The European work community offers this option to its workers by providing sit-to-stand desks (changing levels with a touch of a button).
The company Levenger offers sit-to-stand products in its current catalog. These include podiums, laptop lifters and desk risers. Adjustable desks are available at Relax The Back stores.
James Levine, MD, PhD, professor of medicine at Mayo Clinic, has developed a classroom of the future. What is missing from this classroom? Chairs! Conventional desks are swapped for standing desks which are similar to small adjustable podiums. The sitting is replaced by movement. The students stand, kneel or sit on exercise balls to work.
Breaking tradition has happened before. Do you remember the old desks with attached chairs? Instead of cup holders, they were equipped with inkwells. Change is possible! Having standing options in the classroom is a step forward, providing each student what he/she needs to be successful.
By the way, I am told that Winston Churchill preferred to work standing up.
1 comment:
Did you know that pilgrim kids had to stand up during meals? I eat better when I stand up. It makes my mind function better when I'm on my feet. Do you know anyone who does that?
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