Some Canadian schools are giving new meaning to the term “thinking on your feet” by providing students with standing desks.
We’ve discussed the health benefits of standing desks on the blog before, and while they’re typically more popular in the workplace, more schools are considering the idea of adding standing desks to their classrooms. Toronto teacher Alana Guinane, who added standing desk options for her students, said she wanted to give students the chance to stretch their legs during the long school day.
“I started thinking about how many times a day I asked children to sit down and stay seated. And yet being sedentary all day, sitting down to learn, might not be the best way to do it,” she said.
Guinane added that the standing desks also appear to improve student concentration. A few of her students said they’ve taken to the idea of using a standing desk.
“I’m a pretty hyper kid, so when I need to expend my energy I get up and move over there — it helps a bit,” said student Shashank Anand.
“At first I was a bit skeptical on the idea of it, but then I started standing and it was actually really neat,” added fellow student Robert Bisset.
Others Agree
Although the standing desks are relatively new, they appear to have numerous benefits, including:
- A recent study out of Texas found that students who were given the opportunity to stand during class burned up to 15 percent more calories than students who sat at regular desks.
- Improved student focus and concentration.
- “People told me their kids were sleeping better; people told me their kids have better posture,” said Saskatchewan Delisle Elementary School teacher Justin Sauer.
Adam Aldred, a teacher from Barrington High School, said he hopes more teachers consider adding standing desks to their classrooms.
“I just hope to see more of them in teachers’ classrooms as we recognize that we need to get our students up and get them active outside of gym classroom,” he said.
Dr. Silverman Comments
Sitting all day isn’t good for your health, no matter your age. I commend these teachers for adding standing desks to their classrooms. Standing increases blood flow to your extremities, helps you burn more calories and prevents dangerous blood clots.
I hope we see more of these standing desk options popping up in the future.
Related source: CTV News