Balance Balls Bounce for Better Brains!

Funded Apr 8, 2022

I can't begin to describe the appreciation I have for your donation. When I first asked to switch from traditional seats to stability balls for my classroom, I was informed that the district will only purchase "traditional classroom and office furniture". I was frustrated with this response as my request was not made on a whim but backed up by numerous studies on student engagement.

Having stability balls has been a game changer for so many of my students. Even in high school, the students are surprised, confused, and then delighted (most of them anyway!) when they realize this is the real deal in class. We don't just talk about Health, we engage in Healthy behaviors from the minute class starts. It takes a little getting use to since 36- 40 balls add a certain amount of noise and movement not found in other classrooms. Yet, as my students have become more comfortable with the changes in seating, it is fun to see the changes in their behavior and academic engagement as well.

Students randomly bounce, balance, and stretch throughout the class period. Students are awake, alert and engaged in class. It has been a most rewarding change.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Hamlin