Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 20

I currently see 36 students throughout my day. I have 18 in my homeroom class, and 18 in my partner teacher's class. With our funded grant, we were able to purchase 9 CanDo NonSlip Inflatable Exercise Balls with Stability Feet. I have 9 students utilize them in my homeroom, and 9 students utilize them in my partner teacher's classroom. 

First and foremost, the bouncy balls were a huge hit with the students. They love having an alternative way to sit during the day that doesn't involve a hard, plastic chair. My kids gently bounce throughout the day and it has become a normality within my room.

Second, the bouncy balls have decreased outbursts, distractions, and disruptions significantly. I have many students diagnosed with ADHD or ADD and because they can move constantly without being a disturbance, they have no need to move about the classroom or fidget. They simply stay in one spot and bounce. This helps to "get their energy out" as well as decrease behavior problems. 

Overall, I've seen a huge improvement in the behaviors in my classroom, but also with my students' ability to focus. Many of my students' work has improved because they are able to focus more on their work instead of focusing on the need to walk or fidget. Many of the students who were given the bouncy balls have improved their grades and are doing better in class academically and behaviorally. The bouncy balls served their intended purpose, and we are ever grateful for the opportunity to implement them!