Schools

1st Graders at Sunnyside Elementary Stay Active while Learning!

During the 2018-19 school year, 1st grade teachers from Sunnyside Elementary School applied for mini-grants to purchase Wobble Stools for their classrooms. Wobble Stools have a rounded base where the stool meets the floor, which provides the wobble and the stability. Rather than sitting still, on the Wobble Stool you are always engaging changing combinations of leg, hip, and ab core muscles. The constant motion helps increase blood flow, which in turn stimulates secondary focus.

Gabrielle Harteneck said, “One of the reasons I wanted the wobble stools was for the fact that the stools allow for some movement as the student works.” Emily Krenik said, “I love having the Wobble Stools in my classroom because they allow some movement while the students work without being distracting for students or others in the room.” Shauna Friedrich stated, “My students use them all throughout the day as they complete independent work at their table spots. They are so much more focused during independent writing time as the stools give them the flexibility to move as they work.”

The goal of the Active School Strategy is to increase physical activity opportunities both during and outside the school day to assist students to meet the national guidelines of 60 minutes or more each day. According to the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey, approximately 20% of 5th graders, 18% of 8th graders, 17% of 9th graders, and 14% of 11th grade students reported being physically active for at least 60 minutes. “We have to figure out ways to get kids moving,” said David Anderson, Live Well Goodhue County Coordinator. “Teachers and other school staff members can integrate physical activity into their classrooms, support recess, intramurals and other physical activity offerings. Wobble stools work great for kids of all ages and they help improve concentration, so it’s a win, win in my book!”