Will ‘wiggle room’ help children learn?

A few weeks ago I read about an innovative school experiment. In one school in Minnesota children are not expected to sit at desks all day but are allowed to move around the room and even stand up to do their work. The classrooms are fitted out with adjustable-height school desks designed by a local ergonomic furniture company. These desks come with swinging foot rests and adjustable stools so that children can switch between sitting or standing to do their work.

At last the idea that children like to move around when they are learning seems to be making sense to teachers, and the adjustable height furniture means that desks and stools can be designed to fit everyone’s needs. No longer will children have to sit on chairs that are too small or too large for them and children will have the option of ‘wiggling’ all they want while they are learning.

Although this school is set up as a research sight the school is already seeing benefits. The Principal notes that teachers are already seeing positive results. There are less referrals to the office and even less sick days for the children.

Adjustable height furniture would make it easier for teachers too. Leaning over a child’s desk or having to sit on kindergarten size chairs to help a child out might become a thing of the past. And how often have you had to perch on a child size chair when talking to your child’s teacher? If you remember how uncomfortable that was you can understand some of the problems children face when classroom furniture does not fit their needs.

For those children that learn best when they are moving their bodies this furniture could be a wonderful learning tool.