Wiggle While You Learn

Is it a fad or is it effective?
 Abstract
In our society, there are a lot of exciting new products that are

often advertised as something that will improve our lives. Flexible

seating is something that I have seen advertised and used by many
teachers as tools that will assist student learning. This type of tool
immediately struck my curiosity when I saw them in my first-grade
classroom. As the research process began I quickly realized that
there was little empirical evidence to suggest that using flexible
seating was effective. This brought me to my research inquiry: Is
using flexible seating, such as Wiggle Stools, useful for student
focus and achievement? To do this, I observed, recorded,
interviewed, and surveyed three students using wiggle stools for
two-week increments during their leveled independent reading time.
The data suggests that flexible seating is effective for all types of
students who can self-monitor and determine if the tool is assisting
them or causing them a distraction. It is expected that there will
continue to be a positive correlation between student focus and
achievement and the flexible seating.
 Literature
Brain research confirms that physical activity-moving,
stretching, and walking-can actually enhance the learning
process.
-Eric Jensen, Moving with the Brain in Mind. Educational
Leadership

Some students may do fine sitting passively in a straight-back

chair for hours at a time, but plenty of others need a little more
variety and movement to stay on task.
-Mike Kennedy, Creating Some Wiggle Room, American
School & University
 Methods Data Collection
Observational Notes/ Field Notes
Collaborating Teacher Interview
Student Interviews
Student Surveys
Literature Collection
 Methods Actions
Two week rounds of observing three students
Observational notes of behavior and
interactions done during IRLA ( Independent
Reading Level Assessment)
Student interviews given between the end of
the first week and the beginning of the second
Student survey done at the end of the two
weeks
Current Findings
 Conclusion
The data suggests that flexible seating
is effective for all types of students
who can self-monitor and determine if
the tool is assisting them or causing
them a distraction.
Interviewer: Does the wiggle stool help you
focus? How so?

Interviewee I: Yes, because sometimes it

helps me think of new ideas.
Interviewer: Why do you feel off task with
the wiggle stool?
Interviewee II: Its a lot of fun but it tends
to get me into trouble. Does this mean
that I wont get to use it anymore?
Interviewer: Do you feel like it helps you focus
or is it distracting?

Interviewee III: It really helps me focus.

Today, I was able to finish an entire book!
 Interviewer: How does it help you during
IRLA?

Interviewee IV: It feels like it helps me focus

sometimes but then sometimes I like to
wiggle more than read.