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Get Up and Move... Even A Little
The first step in adding more movement in your class is to sit just a little bit less. Have students take stretch breaks while working. Can students push chairs in and stand to use their desk or other spaces around the classroom? In Finland I even saw older students place their chairs on top of their desk. Then they put their books on the chair to create a makeshift standing desk.
At an elementary school one teacher even had a poster where students tracked how they spent the lesson. Students could sit at their desk, stand, or sit on a ball to work. This was a way to help students become more aware of their choices. It was not a punishment to sit at their desk to work and it shouldn't be since sometimes that is where one does their best work. She did note that prior to the chart students chose the other options less frequently. Perhaps you could have a similar chart tracking stretching breaks instead. This seemed like a quick and easy way to implement more movement in a class.
Yoga balls have become a popular seat choice in my school and also across Finland. There are a variety of adaptive seats from one legged stools, wiggle cushions, and stools that rock back and forth. The yoga ball retails for around $15 which could get pricey if you are looking to buy many. They can be found at garage sales, sports outlet stores, or could be procured through grants.
