Flexible seating: a buzzword that has been floating around the education world for quite some time now. There are different degrees of flexible seating– some teachers go all out, while others make small changes here and there.
I am a newbie to flexible seating, and after reading “The Daily 5,” I decided to explore. Two other teachers in my hallway bought exercise balls for their classroom, and let me tell you… I could not stand going into those rooms!
The kids were nonstop bouncing! Bouncing everywhere! I honestly had no clue how my coworkers could teach with all of the movement set before them. Eventually, they told me that they just got used to it.
After doing some research, I thought I would give it a go. Many students learn kinesthetically, myself included! Students need to get some excess energy out sometimes, and the exercise balls can do the trick. I decided to implement them, and here’s what I learned.
Here are the ones I purchased. They were cheap, and so far, durable! Two have popped but that’s because students stabbed them with a pencil… of course. I got the 55 cm size. If I were to do it again, I would probably get the 65 cm. My fourth graders were a little low to their desks at 55 cm.
1. Flexible seating requires clear rules and expectations
As with anything in teaching, having clear rules about how the balls are to be used is extremely important. A direct consequence if they are not used correctly should result!
My students knew from the beginning that if they made a bad choice with their new seat arrangement, it would be taken away. I did give some of them the chance to earn it back at certain times, but they had to show me they could follow the rules and be responsible.
One thing I think I did correctly (with the help of some coworkers) was anticipate problems and address them before they happened. Of course, there were more problems that occurred, but I feel as if the rules that I created address many possible circumstance.
Examples: “They stay on the floor.” This means no throwing them, bouncing them like a basketball, etc.
“Bottoms on the ball” translates to students not laying on their stomachs, knees, etc.
“Bounce lightly” translates to “don’t bounce obnoxiously like you’re going to eject into the ceiling.”
Here is an example of the rules I gave my kiddos:
2. Know your students
This tip kind of goes alone with tip #1. Know your kids! My students this year have their ups-and-downs… but I’m gonna be honest, I knew they could handle the yoga balls.
Ask me about my kids last year– No, I would not have trusted them with the privilege!
If your students destroy things or have a lot of difficulty following rules or being respectful, I would wait to implement the yoga balls. They can definitely be a distraction instead of a productive energy outlet, depending on the group of kiddos. Some just aren’t ready for them.
3. Give options for flexible seating
Some students do not like the yoga balls!
As much as you want to be helpful, some students prefer to sit in their chairs or on a regular stool. Make sure you keep some other options around!
There are plenty of other creative options, too. An old couch, bungee chair, or wobbly stool would do the trick. The key is to make the learning environment warm and comfortable!
4. Have a plan for storage
When it’s time to get all of the seating off of the floor so the custodians can do their thing, the yoga balls can be quite a hassle. Have a plan!
I didn’t, and I still don’t have the best system. It works for now, but I would recommend doing something similar to my coworker. She bought buckets from the hardware store and uses the lids to put the balls on top of. This helps them from rolling off the desks.
Something as simple as this would do the trick!
5. The kids have to balance
This seems like common sense, but you’d be surprised…
I tell my students that if they cannot balance on the yoga balls, they cannot use them.
So far, we have had numerous face plants and spills. Granted, this is usually because students are not sitting on the yoga balls correctly. But still. It can be a safety issue/hazard if the students can’t stay on the ball and fall on top of a desk.
My opinion on flexible seating in the form of exercise balls
Keeping all of this in mind, I say, go for it if you think you and your kiddos are ready! It takes some getting used to and it’s definitely an adjustment; clear rules and expectations must be set in place. But the kids love the exercise balls!
If I were to do it again and think of flexible seating options, I may try something else that doesn’t require as much maintenance, planning, and rules. I have been interested in trying Fidget Bands that are put on the legs of a student’s chair so they can move their feet and legs as they work.
Have you implemented exercise balls? What are your tips to other teachers if you have? What’s holding you back if you haven’t? Please leave a comment and let me know!
