Exercise Balls in the Math Classroom

I began using exercise balls last school year as alternative seating for my students. They have really enjoyed the change! I use both exercise balls and traditional chairs when I group students at their tables. They take turns sitting on a ball or on a chair and do a great job managing this themselves.

Students will sit on the exercise balls while they work on DynaMath. We often use DynaMath as a break from our curriculum lessons for a more enjoyable, flexible math and reading lesson. One thing I like about the magazine is that it provides students the opportunity to read about math as it relates to real life.

Most students like sitting on the balls because they can bounce around and get out their wiggles. They also sometimes bounce and work simultaneously. Over time, my students have told me they have less back pain and stronger core muscles. 

My students sit at the ball seats on a daily basis, but they’re also given opportunities to work on the floor or work standing up. As long as they are learning, I don't mind allowing them to have unconventional seating arrangements.

Above all, I want my students to be able to focus their energy on learning and comprehending math concepts.