"In fact, if the child is not provided with stimulation, he will create stimulation by acting out or disrupting his environment in some way. Again, this is not being done for any negative reason. He is creating excitement because he needs it." -Unknown
Each of my classes, although very different, have very active learning environments with students who require different needs.
I believe in my school's philosophy that it is my job to do whatever it takes for every child to be successful every day and that means differentiated instruction to better fit their individual needs. As students grow through school they are required to control their bodies more. This is a hard task for many students and especially for my students with ADD or ADHD. We have lots of distractions that effect our learning environment from our extremely fidgety friends. I handle these students' needs as best as I can but could use some extra tools to help out!
My Project
We will use these five Safeco Balance Ball chairs in place of the students' chairs at their desk during the day.
The notion behind the exercise ball and its work with children with ADHD or ADD is that it allows these students an outlet for their constant movement, keeping them focused, without distracting students around them. This way, students feel much more in control. They feel like it's their option to bounce, and they do not have to sit perfectly still and feel confined. A 2008 study found that children actually need to move to focus during a complicated mental task. The children in the study, especially those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), fidgeted more when a task required them to store and process information rather than just hold it. These ball chairs are a great solution to provide all students with an outlet for their extra energy.
In the past few weeks I have had the chance to borrow a fellow teacher's balance ball to tryout with a few of my most fidgety students.
It's amazing to see them focused on work bouncing away on their ball, their movements no longer distracting those around them and they are working harder than ever before. They feel more confident and in control!
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Brown and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
