Stand Up for Learning Abby Brown Marine Elementary School Stillwater Area School District HYPERLINK "mailto:browna@stillwater.k12.mn.us" browna@stillwater.k12.mn.

us 651-351-8886 http://marine.stillwater.k12.mn.us HYPERLINK "http://www.standupforlearning.com" www.standupforlearning.com

From the Stillwater Area School District Superintendent

The Stand Up desks are one of many innovative ideas coming from the exceptional educators in the Stillwater Area Public Schools, said Keith Ryskoski, superintendent. Our students and teachers are already seeing changes in the classroom and believe the desks are helping increase focus and learning. Anytime we can get students excited to learn - that's a victory for us. Were excited to team with researchers to find data to support what our students are already telling us.

What Teachers are Saying

High school English teacher: Changes I have seen since having the desks... I see that the students I have placed in the desks are more alert. I

purposely placed several students that have a hard time focusing and staying awake in the desks and standing for class has definitely made a difference in their engagement. The students in the stations are rarely caught spacing out as well. I think it is important to rethink the way students learn because we are working with a whole new generation and type of student; whether it should be this way or not, teachers today have to "sell their class and content." Having students bodies more engaged does also affect their minds.

5th grade team teacher: The most important thing I notice is that my students that use the standup desks are more actively involved in classroom discussions and in their independent work. I NEVER see heads laying on the desks as I did with traditional desks when they were sitting on the chairs. They seem much more alert! We live in a different "world" now. Our children are in a society of technology, TV, video games, etc where their brains are always being stimulated so how we teach and how they learn needs to be on a more active involvement level for them. I think children come to school very tired because they do not get enough physical activity in their days. Standing up to work, swinging their feet helps to energize the brain and the body so they are alert during learning. So many more of our students battle ADD/ADHD and I think standing up to learn or sitting making use of the foot swing bar helps get the "jitters" out and allows their brains to be able

to focus.

6th grade teacher of departmentalized classes: The students at the stand-up desks were more attentive to my lessons and directions for what they were expected to do. They actively participated in class discussions more than when the same students sat down in chairs at our other traditional tables. Students at the stand-up tables stayed on task during work time whereas when sitting in chairs, at traditional tables, students often sign up to leave the room or get a drink during their work time. We need to rethink the way kids are expected to learn because education continues to change. State standards and the changing global society we live in today have impacted the rigor of what students are expected to learn in the classroom. My sixth graders are learning about chemistry and physics, algebra and probability, and other topics that were once taught at the high school level. However, children's physical development has not changed. An 11 year old is still growing and needs to be allowed physical movement just as much today as he/she many years ago. The stand-up tables allows for movement, encourages healthy posture, and can be fit to the varying sizes of children.

When I first got my standing station, I didnt get the point. I thought, Who really cares whether we sit or stand? But I am happy to say, I was wrong! Now I cant imagine going back to a regular desk. Melissa, 6 grade, Marine Elementary School, October
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2008 ~~~~~~~~~~~ One-year thoughts: These were written in March 2009 by students who began using the standing option in December of 2008. Standing stations are amazing; they improve so many things such as posture, handwriting, and I focus way better. At home when I do my homework I have to stand! Although I dont have a standing station at my house, I use a dresser. Its not as great as a standing station, but I get the opportunity to stand. I have also been more active. I have been able to spend more time with my super-active, little brother and that means a lot to me. Thank you for giving me the best learning environment possible, Mrs. Brown. --Audrey, 6 grade
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I have a standing workstation, and I think it has greatly impacted me, and my classmates. When I had a standard desk, I would get really tired if I was standing for even a little bit, but now I am standing most of the day, and it feels more

comfortable than sitting, especially when I can swing my foot on the swinging footrest. I am glad that schools throughout the country are starting to get standing stations, because it not only helps you stay more active, it also helps your brain function better, I think. I hope when I leave Marine Elementary there will be some standing stations at the junior high. --Sofie, 6 grade
What 11th Graders Think! (Bloomington-Jefferson High School, Minneapolis, Minnesota) 1. I like this desk because it gives me a chance to stand for a little bit during school. I also found myself paying better attention in my class. There should be more of these desks in schools because students might get better grades and more participation in their classes. Although, I do like the stools behind the desks, because if student are a little tired, they could sit down, plus they are comfortable. 2. I personally like the standing desks. I think they work good most days but there should be a chance where sometimes if you are really tired or having a bad day you could be able to sit to rest for a bit. I enjoy using the desks because they help me pay attention by giving me a way to move around but not distract the class. 3. I think these desks have really helped me with m y concentration
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and it makes things a lot easier, and I don't feel like I'm going to fall asleep because I am active. It's really hard to sit for 84 min. four times a day. I feel like I can see more and I can see into detail with books and homework a lot more than before. My grades on essays and tests have been slightly better because I feel a lot better, and when we had to sit in the regular desks for five days I felt really tired and like I wasn't focused at all. ~I did not push them in any direction with these reflections. I asked them to be honest in giving their feedback thus far. It's pretty positive! (comment from high school English teacher)

April 30, 2009 after MCA testing (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments) Hi, I am Luke. I use standing stations everyday. Here are what ways I think they helped me during MCA math and reading testis. I think they helped me stay motivated and awake. Its hard to remember what normal desks are like, because Ive

gotten so used to standing stations. I remember being horribly exhausted, eager to be done, and unfocused. It was great to get to stand up this year. Even right now, Im restless sitting in a chair by the computer. This year I felt like if I couldnt figure a question out I could just pace around the station and it would help. The tests seemed a lot easier this year.
~~~Luke, 6th grade

Heres Swingin at Cha!

Move! Stand Up for Learning Fidget! Marine Elementary School, Stillwater, Minnesota Abby Brown--Student Success Advocate HYPERLINK "mailto:browna@stillwater.k12.mn.us" browna@stillwater.k12.mn.us HYPERLINK "http://marine.stillwater.k12.mn.us/Stand_Up_For_Learning.html" http://marine.stillwater.k12.mn.us/Stand_Up_For_Learning.html Research is starting to mount that movement facilitates focus. We are confident that daily cardiovascular exercise changes the brain and improves concentration and memory. We are gathering anecdotal evidence from counter-intuitive studies that show moving and changing perspective improves learning and memory, chewing gum improves working memory and attention, doodling improves auditory attention, and fidgeting improves focus. These studies cannot fully portray the many examples of people, young and old, who have learned that fidgeting improves focus. How fidget strategies are used in the classroom is critical for effective classroom management. I love the Standup Desk because it is quiet and removes the stigma of restlessness. This desk challenges the antiquated notion that we must sit still in

order to pay attention and learn. Roland Rotz, Ph.D., co-author of Fidget to Focus: Outwit Your Boredom

November 2009 Stillwater, Minnesota Marine Elementary Alum tell of life without standing options in 7 grade
Hello, Parents, I am sending this in request of follow-up written responses on the change in seating options at the junior high. To quote Brinna on the evening of our recent silent auction, "Mrs. Brown! We MISS the standing stations. I almost fell asleep in English class this week!!" I need their feedback on how they are doing with focus, possible other options they are using, if they still stand at home to do school week, or info on energy levels. Please have them respond to this e-mail. Thanks so much! Abby Brown ******** This is Zach B, and it is hard to sit still in class. I'm constantly moving around, and it doesn't help that I have gym first hour so I have nothing to
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wake me up during the day. I'm out of energy when I get home. I miss the freedom of the standing stations. I feel so confined in the desks. It has been a huge adjustment to go from desks to standing stations, then back to desks. In my opinion, standing stations are the best! ********* Mrs. Brown, I think the standing stations make an impeccable difference in my school day. By the time I have basketball at 4 I have so much energy I could run a million miles! I fall asleep in class ALL the time. I'm trying to get standing stations at Hill-Murray! Hope feedback was helpful! ~Sarah Dear Mrs. Brown, I think that we should have standing stations at school because I am always tired at school (and after school) and I almost fell asleep in class. I always do my homework standing. I miss you. I wish you were still my teacher. Sincerely, Emily D Hello Mrs. Brown, ***** This is Claire, I just wanted to say that I don't know about everybody else but I do know that I hate not having the standing stations at school

anymore. It stinks at the junior high school because their desks are ridiculously low, but at my new school, North Lakes Academy, their desks are a bit higher. There is nothing as great as having the standing stations at school, but I still love North Lakes. Thank you so much for everything, Claire W. ***** From Kieran, It's a lot harder to concentrate (because I am thinking of wanting to stand up and I want to stand up a lot. I am doing leg stretches, but it doesn't help much. ***** Hi! The chairs hurt my back and I'm tired more (maybe because I get up 1.5 hours earlier this year). I do homework sitting down at home. I miss the standing stations. Nic

TEACHERS COLLEGE RECORD, Columbia University, New York Commentary by Abby Brown, Elementary/Health Educator Stillwater, Minnesota

March 2009 It has been exciting to have reporters visit our sixth grade classroom just north of Stillwater, Minnesota to interview and take photos for Stand Up for Learning. This is an innovative, action research project that began two years ago. In the first months of school last fall, students warmed-up to media attention when local anchors and camera crews began to visit our classroom to gather information and footage. By the time the ABC World News crews arrived last fall, the students were confidently experienced and took the visits in stride. We have something intriguing to share and have become known as the experts on a new concept that is beginning to impact learning environments for children around our country. These sixth graders and I are thrilled others are taking notice. Why all the attention? In my classroom, and an additional three at Marine Elementary School, students have the option to position themselves in a variety of ways as they learn. These classrooms contain desks that enable fidgeting, standing, leaning, swinging of legs, or sitting at a high stool that has been adjusted to match the students standing positions. My students and I call the adjustable height desks standing stations, but Sunway, Inc. in Centuria, Wisconsin, has trademarked this new furniture option as the AlphaBetter Desk and has patented the Pendulum footrest that students and teachers love. These desks are a unique addition to an age-old strategy for working and learning productively on your feet. The design of the desk was a result of connections with the local ergonomics company that took interest in the idea. It wasnt until after I was granted money to begin the research that I discovered there werent

any student style standing desk options available from school supply companies. I tried a variety of drafting tables made in other parts of our world, but the desks were not durable enough to withstand even a few months of classroom use. The Sunway team and teachers came up with the AlphaBetter Desk design by considering the best features of each trial drafting table and adapting them for student use. The addition of the Pendulum swinging footrest was a brainstorm of the companys CEO with inspiration from his wife. Prototypes are still in use in our classrooms, though with student input, improvements have been made for the AlphaBetter Desk now available. Teachers learned students could tip high stools onto two legs making a game of balancing, so the Sunway stool was designed to prevent this danger and has proven to keep the best of the tippers on four legs. At any given time of the day, I observe students using all options while learning. One may be standing with foot moving in a rhythmic swing, while other students may swing as they lean against the stool or sit completely upon it. In my next glance, I will notice that theyve switched positions, naturally adjusting to what they need to focus on the task before them. Weve found that standing for math, science, and art is most desirable, and pulling up a stool to sit and read aloud is still our preference during reading time. There is less standing after physical education class and recess, but even while sitting, the students like to swing the Pendulum. This concept of option empowers them in ways the traditional classroom does not. In our building you will see a variety of classroom arrangements, much the same as with traditional desks. Some consideration does need to be

made to accommodate shorter students so that the view of the teacher or front area is not obstructed. Because I just make it over the five-foot mark, I have added a footstool, known as my command station, to perch upon and increase my visibility. Although students have free movement within their own desk area, there are still those that like to wander over to the pencil sharpener to whisper an important message to a classmate, and being social creatures means my 6 graders love the larger tops that allow them to gather together to do group work. It creates an environment where children want to learn. Through this project, I have rediscovered my love for wellness concepts. My undergraduate degree is in health education with a fitness emphasis. Being an elementary teacher allows me to do some health education, but up until a few years ago, it never dawned on me that the time I spend standing is much greater than that of my students. Our school day was increased in length with no additional time for physical activity. NCLB has brought stories to my ears that tell of no time for physical education in the high stakes academic setting our country has been subjected to in recent years. This concerned me. What I have come to realize is there are countless educators who are not aware of the ways in which their attempts to meet the new academic demands are counter to allowing the whole child to develop. Recent research on issues related to health and wellness support the Stand Up for Learning change in the classroom environment. In SPARK, The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, author John Ratey, Ph.D., notes the hypothesis that exercise enhances
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school performance. As neuroscientists conduct research, it becomes clearer that exercise better enables student brains to be ready, willing, and able to learn. It is essential for students to engage in aerobic activity to reach their full potential. Adding the option for students to stand while in the classroom may be a good supplement for aerobic activity, leading to increased fitness levels and overall wellness. A study released in November 2007 by Marc Hamilton, University of Missouri, and Theodore Zderic, Amsterdam, indicates there are health benefits to standing at a desk. In the article, MU Study Finds That Sitting May Increase Risk of Disease evidence suggests there is a misconception that actively exercising is the only way to make a healthy difference in an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. Hamiltons studies found that standing and other non-exercise activities burn many calories in most adults even if they do not exercise at all. Additionally, exercise alone was not sufficient to reverse the negative effects that sitting has on fat and cholesterol metabolism. The Education Minnesota Foundation is funding an on-going research project to determine possible impact of the standing option on academic achievement. Researchers are documenting student body positioning in both the traditional setting as well as in our classrooms that give students standing options. Researchers are also collecting data on the effect of standing options on students classroom behavior and standardized test performance (Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments and NWEA.) Professors of kinesiology from the University of Minnesota are also conducting research utilizing highly sensitive accelerometers with students

who have the standing option. These devices are measuring kilocalorie expenditure of each child while working in both classroom settings over a two-week period. Other groups that have taken interest in pursuing research regarding impact on ADD and physical health range from doctors of behavioral medicine to the Office Ergonomics Research Committee supported by such corporations as Apple, Dell, and Chevron. The current objectives of the OERC have been to understand the association between office work and discomfort, fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders. Now their interest expands to the impact of ergonomically sound standing options for students in the classroom. This change will in turn impact the working environments of adults. The research potential is wide open for future investigations. I hope that work on the variety of wellness areas this option potentially impacts will take place in other districts around our country. In their co-authored book, Fidget to Focus, Roland Rotz, Ph.D. and Sarah D. Wright, M.S., A.C.T. explain that fidgeting is a rhythmic sensory stimulation and our bodys natural way of activating our understimulated brains to facilitate focus, which allows us comfort and rest. (p. 31) Fidget to Focus reminds us that adults have the freedom to move around, change tasks, take breaks, or use whatever techniques are necessary to stay alert and focused while children in the traditional classroom do not. The standing station with a pendulum footrest option is a respectful fidget that does not distract others and allows the needed simultaneous sensory-

motor stimulation to arouse and activate the brain. My students reactions to the standing stations provide compelling evidence to support making the change to an environment that allows natural movement. Although we should not always give in to childrens savvy attempts to convince parents to purchase new things such as the latest electronics, students requests for a standing option is one that parents, school board members, and administrators should take to heart. Since we have started using the standing stations my students appear to be more focused. They report having more energy at the end of the day. Consider this letter from one of my sixth grade students: Standing stations are amazing; they improve so many things, such as posture, handwriting, and I focus way better. At home when I do my homework, I have to stand! Although I dont have a standing station at my house, I use a dresser. Its not as great as a standing station, but I get the opportunity to stand. I have also been more active. I have been able to spend more time with my super-active brother and that means a lot to me. Thank you for giving me the best learning environment possible, Mrs. Brown. ~~Audrey The Stand Up for Learning initiative has become an amazing professional journey for me; one that has grown due to the support of researchers, teachers, parents, and community organizations. An idea that started as my plan to improve the learning environment of my own classroom has begun to impact classroom learning environments around our globe. The International Herald Tribune, owned by the New York Times, ran Susan Saulnys story on the same day that it hit the Times front page in the United States. The international title; In education, furniture matters, too.

Ms. Saulny writes: With multiple classrooms filled with stand-up desks, Marine Elementary finds itself at the leading edge of an idea that experts say is gaining momentum in education that furniture matters and should be considered as seriously as instruction, particularly with childhood obesity on the rise, and as schools scale back on physical education and recess. Robert Brooks, Ph.D., expresses my sentiments in Physical Exercise in School: Fitness for Both Body and Mind as he ends with these thoughts: I look forward to the day when educators at all grade levels in all schools detail the ways in which their approach is rooted in the latest brain research, including that which confirms that physical activity and learning are inextricably interwoven. I also look forward to the day when removing recess is not applied as a punishment; instead, recess and other opportunities for physical expression are used to strengthen learning and interpersonal skills. Hopefully, that day is not too far in the future. Ditto from me. The opportunity to stand up for learning is here. Join the efforts. Children need adults to advocate for them. Students do not make decisions regarding classroom materials, curriculum, and furniture. Without us, the option to move naturally as needed while learning cannot be a choice for them. How can you do this? Start by seeking out desks in need of replacement in your building. Ask that capitol funds be used to purchase new ones that

allow the standing option. Add a few to your room; it will spark parent and community interest that could lead to more funding. If you work with primary students, find tables or intermediate desks that can be raised to the top height. These will provide a standing area for the younger children. And breaking the habit of saying Sit down! is one of the first steps in moving toward changes. You, too, can make a difference.

Basi, C, November 2007, MU News Bureau, MU study finds that sitting may increase risk of disease, MU Professor offers solution: Just stand up! January 2009, HYPERLINK "http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2007/1115hamilton-inactivity.php" http://munews.missouri.edu/newsreleases/2007/1115-hamilton-inactivity.php Brooks, R. September 2008 Physical exercise in school: Fitness for both body and mind, March 24, 2009, HYPERLINK "http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/articles.html" http://www.drrobertbrooks.com/writings/articles.html Ratey, J., (2008) SPARK, The revolutionary new science of exercise and the brain, New York, New York, Little, Brown and Company Rotz, R., & Wright, S., (2005) Fidget to focus, Outwit your boredom: Sensory strategies for living with ADD, Lincoln, NE, iUniverse

The International Herald Tribune, February 25, 2009, Susan Saulny, reporter; In education, furniture matters. HYPERLINK "http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/25/america/25desks.php" http://www.iht.com/articles/2009/02/25/america/25desks.php