Giving kids an option to sit on an exercise ball during instructional time or giving them the option to take a break to bounce on the exercise ball is an effective way to keep kids’ attention for longer periods of time. The choice is up to the discretion of the teacher for when he or she would like to have the students use the ball. However, the more children use the balls, the more they get used to the ball as a tool, rather than a toy.
All students at all grade levels could benefit from using an exercise ball, but students who have Attention Defecity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to benefit from this tool. Sitting on the ball allows students to move, which in turn helps burn off excess energy. With less energy focused on keeping their body moving, students are more likely to be able to focus on their school work with more attention.
With this ball, may come challenges because exercise balls are fun and all students want them! If money allows, it may be a good idea to purchase several, to give kids the option to sit on one. Another problem that may arise is if students are not given specific guidelines for how to sit in the chair, it may become a safety hazard. Students must be aware of the expectations of sitting on the exercise ball and understand the consequences when they do not follow the rules for using them. Students must be able to understand how to keep themselves and the people around them safe.
These balls can be introduced to the class as a way to help students who have trouble keeping their bodies still on their own. Teachers could also use them as a reward in the classroom or use them as another option for where students can sit in the classroom. In my classroom, I would allow all students to use them while working at their seats. If students are not safe while sitting on them, they will lose the priviledge of being able to use them. Students who are safe on the exercise balls would always have the option to choose to sit in a regular chair if they would like.
All students at all grade levels could benefit from using an exercise ball, but students who have Attention Defecity Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to benefit from this tool. Sitting on the ball allows students to move, which in turn helps burn off excess energy. With less energy focused on keeping their body moving, students are more likely to be able to focus on their school work with more attention.
With this ball, may come challenges because exercise balls are fun and all students want them! If money allows, it may be a good idea to purchase several, to give kids the option to sit on one. Another problem that may arise is if students are not given specific guidelines for how to sit in the chair, it may become a safety hazard. Students must be aware of the expectations of sitting on the exercise ball and understand the consequences when they do not follow the rules for using them. Students must be able to understand how to keep themselves and the people around them safe.
These balls can be introduced to the class as a way to help students who have trouble keeping their bodies still on their own. Teachers could also use them as a reward in the classroom or use them as another option for where students can sit in the classroom. In my classroom, I would allow all students to use them while working at their seats. If students are not safe while sitting on them, they will lose the priviledge of being able to use them. Students who are safe on the exercise balls would always have the option to choose to sit in a regular chair if they would like.