Interesting Read!!

Hello Parents,
I am constantly finding different articles and things that I think will help me out in the classroom.  I have 2 very interesting finds that I thought I'd share with you parents this week.

Stability/Exercise Balls
I have been doing an experiment in our room this last week, and I can't help but be excited about it.  The 4th graders have moved to using only stability balls as chairs in the classroom and they love it.  The basic idea of the ball is to help give students a way to channel their energy and fidgety bodies into something that is less distracting.  They have to constantly be moving a little bit to keep their balance on the ball while they sit.  This makes it so they are less tempted to act on those impulses like tapping their pencil, poking a friend, or constantly getting up to get a kleenex (even though they don't need one).  The last week that I have tried this with just one ball, I've seen remarkable improvement in attention for the child sitting on the ball.  Those kids have even told me themselves that it helps them.  Here is my proposal:

  Currently I have 1 ball in my room that will rotate each day.  I would love to give the kids more of a chance to use this tool.  I am willing to buy 2 more myself for the room, but I want to give you a chance to help out as well.  If you like this idea and want to donate a ball or 2 to 3rd grade, I will absolutely not turn you down.  The balls would be a donation and stay here after the school year is over.  The 4th grade teachers already have enough for all of their students, so your kids will still get to use one next year.  I'd love to eventually have enough so that all 21 kids can have their own, but we'll see what happens.  The balls cost about $10 a piece at Wal-Mart.  If you want to just send in $10 I can go pick them up too.  Unless we end up with 21 balls, I will just rotate them among the kids each day.

I know that you all are giving an awful lot right now with the Thanksgiving feast coming up, so please don't feel obligated.  We are very appreciative of all you have done already!

The following link gives you more information on the research behind this.
Stability Balls in the Classroom


Food for Thought
I also found this video clip/article on food that I thought was very interesting.   Enjoy!
Think Food Doesn't Affect Kid's Behavior...???