After looking online these past few weeks at other teachers' classrooms, I decided I wanted to try using stability balls for these active students. I'm sure you've seen blogs or pictures on Pinterest, of teachers who have used these balls in the classroom as alternatives to regular chairs. I read how some people used 5 or 6 in their classroom and rotated students each day; some used them only with specific students; and one teacher (I can't remember exactly who) used them for the whole class!
I did a search online for "stability balls" and was very disappointed at prices--$20 - 35 each! Yikes! Then I found a price that was too good to be true...$6!!! What?!?! Althea Medical Group has these balls for $6. I bought one to see how it was quality-wise. It seems pretty good! I bought the 45 cm one which would be the right size for people under 4 feet 8 inches tall. I told my son he had to try it out for me. He sat on it for about 1.6 seconds and then tried to see how many other ways he could use it.
This is him using it as a drum.
Here is my daughter using it to stretch herself on.
After seeing them use it as a basketball, something to throw at each other, drums, footrest, push up ledge, soccer ball, bouncy seat, etc; it seems like it's very sturdy and well liked by my kids. I can't wait to actually use it in the classroom and hopefully, see how it benefits my students. I'm thinking of getting a few more to have and use them for specific students. I want to have them on hand for kids to use as they or I feel needed. You can't beat the price!!
If you have used these in your classroom before, I'd love to hear how you used them and if they were helpful for your students. Thanks!!
Hi Marissa,
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found your post. That is an amazing deal!!! I had 5 kids last year with an ADHD diagnosis. I used the balls for those students. I tried to get a class set, but my grant was denied. It worked for 3 of my kiddos but not the others. I rotated them around and let other kids try them. Sometimes kids were to active and couldn't stop bouncing on them, laying on them and rolling their bodies on them. For the kids it worked for it was amazing. The only downfall I had was that I had to have the legs on my desks cut shorter so the kids had the proper posture. Good luck with them. They are great uf you stay on top of them and reinforce rules for using them. ;)
Sara
Www.firstgradefuntastic.blogspot.com
Thanks so much for sharing! I'm so glad that I found this because I was thinking about getting them for my reading group table, but like you I could only find them for around $20. Thanks for sharing the price and where you found them for cheaper. YAY! Teaching Little Miracles
ReplyDeleteI wanted to let you know that I nominated your blog for the Leibster award. You can see my post about it here.
ReplyDeleteCarrie
First Grade with Ms. Dawley
We apologize we are just now seeing this blog, but we also offer teacher discounts! Althea Medical Group offers 10% off all exercise balls when they are used in the classroom. We understand that budgets are tight and only getting tighter, and it's our way of saying thank you for what you do. School teachers don't get enough recognition for the good they do and we want to change that. If you need to place an order you can do so online at www.altheamedicalgroup.com (use coupon code AMG10) or give us a call, (404) 217-3800.
ReplyDelete