Optimal Learning Environments
such as looking up at a blackboard then
back down at a worksheet. Without this
sense alerting the eye muscles that the
head is moving, the words on the board
and page can “jump around” making it
difficult to read and to keep our place.
Since this sense is designed to
detect the pull of gravity, it also helps
us to keep our head and body upright
against. The sense of movement is also
our internal “GPS” helping us to know
up from down, right from left, etc.,
in an experiential way, so that we can
understand and use these navigational
concepts. Neurologically, this sense lays
the groundwork for communication
between the two sides of the body, thus
allowing us to reach across our body
midline, coordinate both hands in a
task and to develop a dominant had for
skills. In addition, this sense is critical
to our state of alertness. When we do
not move much, or in slow rhythmic
ways, our brain interprets this as a
signal to relax and sleep. More vigorous
movement indicates that it is time to be
awake and engaged.
While furniture for adults, espe-
cially in the workplace, has offered a
myriad of options tailored to individual
preferences for decades, the idea that
children would benefit from seating that
offers motion is only recently becoming
acknowledged. Expecting children to
“sit still” and learn is a flawed concept.
When we sit still, our brains think it is
time to go to sleep. Students will natu-
rally try to fight this feeling by fidgeting
in their chairs, swaying side to side, or
tipping back in their chairs.
Movement Sense
Solutions at School
Considering the tendency toward
more sedentary activities due to
increased use of computers and other
digital devices, as well as fewer oppor-
tunities for movement with less time
spent at recess and in physical educa-
tion, the need to think about and plan
“movement breaks” during the school
day is more essential than ever. Choices
in seating options which provide safe
and non-distracting motion for students
are also critical. While research with
Rocking chairs that blend in with other classroom furniture provide a calming and
organizing seating option for students while they read, search, and collaborate.
ball-chairs and air-filled seat cushions
shows generally favorable results, these
options are not very practical in most
school settings. Rather, task or “swivel”
chairs, noted above as options which
provide adjustment for height, also
provide side-to-side, and some up-
and-down movement, thus are smart
options. Classroom style rockers are also
a great choice for reading, tablet work
and collaborative classroom activities.
While teachers are sometimes hesi-
tant to introduce “moving” chairs into
classrooms, numerous projects have
demonstrated that once the teachers
experience the improved attention
and learning that occurs with safe and
non-distracting motion, they do not
want to return to static classroom chairs.
Conclusion
While the choice of adjustable
height, dynamic seating can be a bit
more expensive upfront, the potential
long-term savings to school districts
can be significant. Better attention and
behavior can provide not only academic,
physical and mental health benefits, but
positive financial outcomes as well. Stat-
ic furniture does not support children’s
sensory or learning needs. Considering
that school-age children often spend
up to 9 hours sitting per day, those
who make decisions about classroom
furniture need to be informed about the
consequences of poor seating choices.
An investment in appropriate, comfort-
able and supportive classroom furniture
is the least we can do to help to ensure
success for students.
n
DR. ZOE MAILLOUX is globally recog-
nized for her expertise in child develop-
ment, sensory
integration, autism,
& occupational
therapy. With more
than 35 years of
experience, Zoe
has been a cham-
pion for increasing
understanding of
individual differ-
ences, with the aim
of enhancing par-
ticipation in meaningful ways, for people
of all abilities. With experience in executive
leadership of non-profit therapy practices,
Zoe known for developing innovative pro-
grams to support children & families.
essentials | www.edmarket.org 31