This Is Why Some Central Bucks Students Are Sitting On Balls

DOYLESTOWN, PA — Some Central Bucks elementary school students are sitting on balls instead of chairs.

Why, you ask?

It's called flexible seating, and there are many benefits, including increased stamina, heightened engagement, and better collaboration, according to district officials.

Flexible seating is not a new thing in the district; for the past two years, some teachers have used alternative seating, including balls, pillows and standing desks. But now, eight elementary teachers are formally piloting the concept after receiving grants from the district.

The teachers in the pilot purchased seating that allows students to sit comfortably and gently swivel or bounce or otherwise move, according to information from the district. The seating also can be easily moved to facilitate rearranging a classroom.

“We’re excited to see how flexible seating effects teacher instruction and student learning,” said David Bolton, assistant superintendent for elementary. “The pilot is a way to gauge the impact on teaching and learning. Initial conversations with students and teachers who have experienced alternative seating is that it increases stamina, engagement, and collaboration.”

The seating allows children to make choices, says Suzanne Dailey, who leads elementary staff development.

“For example, a student may decide to work at a standing desk during math, but she or he may prefer to use a kneeling desk for writing,” Dailey said. “There are pockets of flexible seating in classrooms all around the district. Some teachers have used their own money in the past two years to get this started in their classroom.”

Laurie Coleman, a third-grade teacher at Pine Run Elementary, said the flexible seating has turned the classroom into a "movement-friendly environment."

In addition to the added focus and enhanced environment, there are health benefits. Students in flexible seating classrooms often burn more calories, she said, and when children’s bodies are engaged, so are their brains. Flexible seating offers students an active outlet throughout the day, according to the district.

PHOTO: Central Bucks School District