To help you and your students prepare for a smooth transition to kinesthetic learning, we asked teachers already using kinesthetic equipment to share their best practices. One this is for sure: setting and reinforcing expectations and modeling appropriate use is key. The following tips also will help you transform your classroom into an environment that allows movement so it works for everyone. 

• • CONSIDER your classroom space
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    • • Is there enough room for your students to safely use the equipment?
    • • Do I need to put anything in storage?
    • • Where do I want my equipment?
      • How and where do I want my students to use it (e.g. desk, small group table, floor, etc.)?

• • INTRODUCE equipment slowly, incrementally, one piece a day.

• • SET expectations for safety and benefits of each item.

• • DEMONSTRATE proper use — and how NOT to use — the equipment (e.g. buns on the ball, feet on the floor)

• • CHOOSE students to model appropriate behavior for their classmates, perhaps a student who’s had challenges with traditional seating. Let them be a star!

• • EXPLAIN the benefits of movement on the brain: focus, attention, memory, etc.

• • IF YOU PLAN to allow for choice in seating, consider assigning it the first few weeks to allow for all students to try each piece of equipment.
    • Giving students choice empowers them to become aware of their learning style and take more ownership of their learning!
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• • RETAIN a few traditional desks for students who thrive with more structure.

• • CONSIDER having students make the rules for your classroom or sign a contract pledging safe, appropriate use of equipment.

• • REMEMBER, letting students choose an option that works best for them does NOT mean you’re giving up control of your classroom. One of the important rules of active seating is, “Teacher’s Choice,” meaning you can move anyone at any time.