RISE, A Modern Guide for the Purpose Driven Woman Summer 2014 | Page 34

Spotlight on Education In 2013, K-1 teacher, Denise Addison received the grant from the Healthy Schools Initiative at Davidson Elementary School in Davidson, North Carolina. Denise purchased 21 stability (exercise or therapy) balls to replace chairs during various times in the day. Based on her research, stability balls aid children in focusing, learning, developing core strength, and fulfilling sensory and motor needs within the classroom; thus, meeting their instinctual need to move. This is a pilot study just for Davidson Elementary School. A stability ball is a heavy-duty rubber ball filled with air from 45 to 75 cm (20-30 in.) in diameter. Students were measured for proper fit of a stability ball. The stability ball will be used as a chair. Rules for the proper use of the ball were established on the first day of use, which was the first day of the 2013-2014 school year. Stability balls have been proven to be an effective form of alternate seating compared to typical classroom chairs in improving in class behavior and attention of children. Use of stability balls will provide the students with an opportunity to modulate sensory input, while maintaining appropriate levels of behavior during school time. Other Research: Since 1991, the ball had replaced chairs in schools for thousands of children of Europe due to increased information on the postural benefits of “active sitting” and back injury prevention. The classroom teachers found that hyperactive children became calmer and could focus for longer periods; other children could generally concentrate better; handwriting skills improved for children with poor penmanship; children often showed a better understanding of subject material, and disorganized children developed a better sense of organization. Swiss balls have become increasingly popular as an alternative to office chairs as they help to reduce the prevalence of low-back pain, engage the abdominal and back muscles, and maintain proper posture to remain balanced on the ball. This is sometimes prescribed by physical therapists for back-pain patients. Overall, the research consensus of typical children in a classroom is that they enjoy sitting on the therapy ball instead of a chair. Many teachers also agreed that the noise level in the classroom decreases when they are seated on the balls. The input that the therapy ball provides for children during classroom tasks allows them to focus more on the task at hand and less on fulfilling sensory and motor needs. We are eager to showcase educators in all areas of education. From STEM programs to special needs programs, we want to highlight educators who are stretching the norms to elevate opportunities for their students. If you are, or know of, an exceptional educator please email us at [email protected].