My goal is to be able to offer my students a tool to address two concerns--their physical health and their ability to stay focused in class.  For the last few weeks, I've been working with the Louisville Writing Project, a cohort of writing teachers, and our facility happened to offer "wobble" stools as well as traditional static chairs.  "Wobble" refers to the convex bottom of the stool, which forces one to maintain an upright posture and allows a surprising range of non-disruptive movement without leaving one's seat. 

After a week of fatigue and back pain from the traditional chairs, I decided to try the stool with the egg-shaped bottom.  I was amazed at the immediate differences--better posture, no back pain, and no more yawning.  I absolutely loved it.

This kicked off some research into the topic, and I know now what this chair design will do for not just those "ADD" kids, but for all of them.  The need to move is biological, a function of the human design, and a better way to sit is such an obvious, easy step toward a more alert and in-the-moment classroom.  

Unfortunately, while the wobble stools are less expensive than static chairs, we already have the chairs and no money for these odd little stools.  Eventually, I'd like to be able to offer every kid in the room such a seat, but my short term goal is to acquire 10 stools, which would go a long way toward meeting the needs of the antsiest kids in each class.

Back Up Plan