ADVERTORIAL
Combat childhood obesity with an active classroom
W
ith social distancing the priority for the new school year, other initiatives have taken a back seat, but fitness must also be at the
forefront. In July, the UK government launched a new plan to tackle obesity among both adults and children. According to the government report, around one third of children of primary school leaving age are over a healthy weight. That’s why AJ Products is passionate about active working as a way to get kids moving. The active learning classroom is based on the premise that physical activity
affects brain activity, that movement and learning are closely linked, and that changing your working position regularly improves concentration. Moreover, alternating between sitting and standing improves muscle strength, balance and blood circulation. This means that an active classroom has both mental and physical benefits. Social distancing doesn’t have to limit activity levels: sit- stand desks, balance stools and pedal exercisers can all be used safely without the need for close interaction. In fact, one of the key attributes of active learning furniture is how well it lends itself to rearranging the classroom regularly for a more flexible set up.
Standing supports wider movement Sit-stand desks offer students the possibility to decide for themselves if and when to switch between sitting and standing. The variety this provides prevents repetitive strain and helps them maintain focus on their work rather than fidgeting. An alternative is to combine standard desks with high tables for use when working on group projects. The students can then choose a different setup depending on the lesson or task. This flexibility gives pupils ownership over how they work so they feel responsible for their own learning and wellbeing. It also teaches them that movement can be a normal part of the working day, a lesson they can take with them as they grow up and move into the world of work.
Sitting with a difference There's nothing wrong with sitting down per se, but it's important not to sit all the time. Because everyone has their own unique sitting style, choosing chairs that allow students to sit facing forward or backwards on the seat and rock slightly as they sit is an effective way to ensure they are sitting comfortably. Balance stools are another way to keep kids moving while seated at their desks. This type of seat works the core muscles to improve posture and encourages students to use their legs to stay steady. The body undertakes this small amount of movement subconsciously and the fidgeting effect suits many children who struggle to sit completely still during lessons.
An outlet for students with high energy levels Many students find it hard to sit still in the classroom and burning off excess
October 2020
www.education-today.co.uk 11
energy through increased physical activity can improve their learning ability. Giving students the opportunity to use a desk bike or pedal exerciser is a simple way to boost activities levels while contributing to a calmer classroom atmosphere. It means restless pupils have a proper outlet for energy that would otherwise get them into trouble or distract the rest of the class. Moreover, it allows them to focus better on the lesson. Such products are easy to wipe down and share between students. Active classroom furniture can help students to overcome physical inactivity
and mental health issues in schools by encouraging movement and changing the daily routine. As part of a wider initiative to encourage exercise, it is effective in improving concentration in the classroom as well as teaching children the importance of an active workday, setting them on the right course to lead a healthier lifestyle into adulthood.
AJ Products is a full-service supplier of furniture and interior solutions for offices and schools, offering everything from design suggestions and planning to quick delivery and installation. Finance leasing is also available with no deposit and affordable fixed monthly payments to accommodate any budget. Contact AJ Products UK to find out more.
u01252 359760
uinfo@ajproducts.co.uk uajproducts.co.uk
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