A sixth-grade teacher in Minnesota has figured out that the way to keep her students energized is to let them stand up and fidget at their desks, reports Susan Saulny in the New York Times (2/25/09). Seizing on this insight, Abby Brown of Marine Elementary school designed an "adjustable height school desk" equipped with "swinging footrests, and with adjustable stools allowing children to switch between sitting and standing as their moods dictate" (image). Abby, along with other experts, believes the desks improve student concentration while also fighting childhood obesity.

She thinks classroom furniture is as important as what she teaches, and she's not the only one: "Dr. James Levine, a professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, adovcates what he calls 'activity-permissive' classrooms, including stand-up desks." Referring to the more sedentary lifestyles of many of today's children, he comments: "Having many children sit in a classroom isn't the craziest idea, but look at how children have changed ... We also have to change, to meet their needs."

Lynn Bormann, Marine Elementary's principal, says can quantify the benefits. "We can measure referrals to the office, sick days, whatever it might be," she says. According to Abby, her students love the desks, too: "As an option, it gives students choices, and they feel empowered," she says. Pam Seekel, another teacher using the desks, observes: "I've never seen students with their heads down, ever. It helps with being awake." Nick Raboin, 11, agrees: "Sometimes when I'm supertired, I sit," he says. "But most of the time I like to stand." So does Sarah Langer, 12: "At least you can wiggle when you want to," she says. ~ Tim Manners, editor.