Z is for Zumba Rocker
Why use zumba rockers?
This type of seating is not necessary for every child in the classroom. It can be used for students that have special needs and difficulties self-regulating. The rocking motion can help the student stay calm and focused on their work. I have noticed that children that sit in zumba rockers will rock more vigorously when they are faced with a challenging task. They find the motion comforting and/or it helps them to vent frustration without disrupting other students. There has been plenty of research with occupational therapists and special needs experts in this area.
I have one zumba rocker chair in my room which is particularly used for a special needs student. However, when he is not in my classroom, I allow the other students to sit in it if they ask. The majority of students enjoy the chair just because it is something different and it feels more comfortable to them. As long as they are able to stay focused on their work and it doesn't become an issue, I allow them to sit in the zumba rocker.
This type of seating is not necessary for every child in the classroom. It can be used for students that have special needs and difficulties self-regulating. The rocking motion can help the student stay calm and focused on their work. I have noticed that children that sit in zumba rockers will rock more vigorously when they are faced with a challenging task. They find the motion comforting and/or it helps them to vent frustration without disrupting other students. There has been plenty of research with occupational therapists and special needs experts in this area.
I have one zumba rocker chair in my room which is particularly used for a special needs student. However, when he is not in my classroom, I allow the other students to sit in it if they ask. The majority of students enjoy the chair just because it is something different and it feels more comfortable to them. As long as they are able to stay focused on their work and it doesn't become an issue, I allow them to sit in the zumba rocker.
Why doesn't everyone sit in the same desks like we used to?
Is it really necessary to have everyone seated at the same desk and chair? To me, it doesn't seem important what the students are seated in, as long as they are able to focus and learn. Other alternative seating ideas are standing desks, a rug or other area on the floor to sit, or an area with blinders so that the student cannot see anything outside of the workspace. As adults, we don't always work at a table seated in a straight backed chair, we like to be comfortable too! I like to work on the floor with my work spread out around me, or standing above my work at a table. Why should we ask our students to conform to a standard table and desk if there is money available to purchase different types of seating?
Is it really necessary to have everyone seated at the same desk and chair? To me, it doesn't seem important what the students are seated in, as long as they are able to focus and learn. Other alternative seating ideas are standing desks, a rug or other area on the floor to sit, or an area with blinders so that the student cannot see anything outside of the workspace. As adults, we don't always work at a table seated in a straight backed chair, we like to be comfortable too! I like to work on the floor with my work spread out around me, or standing above my work at a table. Why should we ask our students to conform to a standard table and desk if there is money available to purchase different types of seating?