The Mind-blowing Benefits of Active Seating for Kids

Inside you’ll find: the benefits of active seating in the classroom as well as how to make it happen!

“Can he sit still?”

The words of my son’s new Sunday school teacher were cause for alarm.

“Um, no.”  I thought. “My son can’t sit still. Like ever!”

But should he???

Scroll to the bottom for a VIDEO demonstration of these sensory tools in action!

A huge thank you to Lakikid for sponsoring this eye opening article!  Scroll down to get an exclusive reader coupon code on their awesome sensory tools!

The more I learn about sensory processing, and the connection between movement and learning, the more I’m convinced that a moving kid is a learning kid!

But sometimes kids do need to be seated for desk work or so that a large group of kids can be focused on a teacher.

This is where active seating solutions comes into play!

The benefits are so fabulous, you might want to employ some of the techniques for your own desk time!

Focus and Behavior

Arguably the biggest change that occurs when you switch out traditional seating in favor of more active seating is better focus. All kids have sensory needs. ALL kids. Those sensory needs include vestibular input (received by the inner ear through all sorts of movement!) and proprioceptive input (sensory input to the joints and ligaments that contributes to body awareness).

A child who isn’t getting enough sensory input will often seek out what they need by wiggling, fidgeting,

Even a child that seems to be handling traditional seating just fine because they aren’t squirming around may be having an internal battle. If a child has to spend the majority of the effort and focus on keeping still, they won’t have much left for learning. Schoolwork may suffer.

Or a child may be disruptive to the class or at the dinner table because their need for movement urges them to rock the legs of their chair or pester the child next to them.

Flexibility

Sensory needs are always changing day to day and hour to hour (Find out why HERE.) Giving kids multiple ways to get sensory input while sitting will ensure they can get their needs met.

Sometimes kids will need lots of movement and proprioceptive input. That’s when this exercise stability ball from Lakikid can come in handy!

 

This exercise ball is unique in that it has four small nubs or legs that keep the ball from rolling away when the child gets up. It provides some small feedback so the child doesn’t roll all around the room too!

Other times kids are looking for something more low key. This wiggle seat cushion by Lakikid is still going to help the brain to focus because the body is active and engaged in stabilizing the child.  I like using this one myself!

Choice and Control

Kids with unmet sensory needs often feel like their surroundings (and their reactions to it) are out of control. That terrible feeling can often lead to kids grasping for any chance to have control.

By having various seating options, you can give children positive options to choose from that will help break the out-of-control cycle.

Better Health

Movement is a key to health! Bodies were made to move, and prolonged sitting is bad for kids’ posture, weight and their heart.

By giving kids active seating options, they can burn calories and stave off obesity. Many active seating options also serve to strengthen a child’s core muscles, which help with coordination and even fine motor skills!

Think of all the calories burned while using this simple yet extremely versatile fidget chair band from Lakikid.

 

Let kids bounce their legs to their heart’s content, yet it’s all done under the table and in complete silence! Wonderful for crowded classrooms or moms that struggle with their own auditory overwhelm!

While this one is the simplest tool, it’s also my son’s favorite. He like that he doesn’t stand out and that he can put it on practically any chair! I love that it comes with TEN bands so I’m not constantly moving it from chair to chair, PLUS I can keep an extra one in my purse for when he finds himself sitting when we’re out and about.

I’ve been blown away by the quality of Lakikid’s sensory items. Made by a dad who’s own son has autism and sensory issues, the tools were built to last and meet kids where they’re at.

As my blog reader, you get an exclusive 15% discount to use on ANY of the Lakikid sensory products. Just type “MIRACULOUS” at checkout HERE. 

Don’t miss my boys on Facebook demonstrating active seating solutions for the classroom and at home! Play the video below!