JACKSON HOLE NEWS&GUIDE, Wednesday, October 26, 2016 - 35A
Bouncing and pedaling helps students learn Seating options enhance classroom experience. By Kylie Mohr Amy Asbell’s classroom is the opposite of stagnant, and she likes it that way. Some students sit on yoga balls. And in the back, three ftfth-graders pedal away on a new pedal desk. The desk, located on the side of the classroom by the windows, has three seats and, just like a bike, pedals underneath. There’s no resistance. “These kids need to move,” Asbell said. Students at Colter Elementary School get 25 minutes of recess a day and one 50-minute physical education class every six days. Research- ers have found that children’s brain activity and brain development can be enhanced by physical exercise and that exercise might help kids learn better in school. “When they hop on, they’re focused,” Asbell said. “It’s incredible.” Principal Bo Miller compared the ability to move while learning to drawing while taking notes. “Some kids learn better when they’re doodling,” Miller said. “Others learn better when they’re pedaling.” The pedal desks are new this year, but Asbell introduced the bouncy balls last year to rave reviews from students. She described her classroom as having “flexible seating arrangements.” Miller called the desks a “kinesthetic learning station.” “They loved it,” Asbell said. “I’ve got some real wrigglers.” To ftnance the flexible seating arrangements she wrote several grant requests. When that didn’t pan out, friends of hers offered to purchase the $3,000 pedal desk system. Robyne and former Sen. Randolph Townsend just
RUGILE KALADYTE / NEWS&GUIDE
Kye Bessette, 10, uses a pedal desk during a test in Amy Asbell’s Nifth-grade class at Colter Elementary. “It’s a creative way to get out energy,” he said.
bought a home in Jackson. Asbell purchased the yoga balls in her class with a combination of classroom budget supply money and per-
sonal funds. Asbell said that once she posted a photo of the desk on Facebook, her page blew up with other teachers
wanting one of their own. Asbell even has pedal machines that can be placed under desks if stu- dents want to move their legs. “If you asked to install a pedal desk 20 years ago you would’ve got- ten laughed out of the room,” Miller said. But educators are realizing that encouraging movement in the class can enhance learning. On Friday all of Asbell’s students were focused on their assignment, a timed test. “I listen a lot better when I’m pedaling than when I’m just sitting in a chair,” said Beatrix Goldstein, 10. “They can help you focus if you want to move,” said Malaya Maligalig. Asbell does have rules. “We have norms around the balls, like keeping their feet on the floor,” she said. “If they violate the norms, they’re off for a week.” After the novelty wears off, Asbell said, the kids have an easier time being focused. All of her ftfth-graders have partners they switch off with every other day. “Those who need to use the ball really gravitate towards it,” Asbell said. “I don’t think I’d want an entire classroom of these desks because the ones who need it hop on.” Tristan Thoman, 11, is a great example of that. “If I feel like pedaling and it’s my turn, I head over,” he said. Every student has the option of having 10 minutes of pedaling before the next group gets the opportunity. It’s safe to say that everyone wants a turn. “Moving helps me learn,” Jasmine Marinaro, 10, said. “It gets the energy out of my body.” Contact Kylie Mohr at 732-7079 or schools@jhnewsandguide.com.
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