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STAND UP DESK

Why you should try stand-up desks.

Users of stand up desks, (according to THE STAND UP DESK company) “assert that they simply feel more alert and more productive working and thinking on their feet.”

(Note by BJ: I certainly want my students to be more alert and productive!!)

“Our customers include CEOs, authors, bankers, judges, and many attorneys. Individuals in a number of government agencies also use our desks.”

Some famous people have used stand up desks. Sir Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, John Dos Passos, Virginia Woolf, and even Thomas Jefferson worked at these unique desks. Rumor has it Dickens' Bob Cratchett also logged some serious hours on his feet.

Stand-up desks are terrific. However, they are rather expensive. I’ve been using a tilt-able “bed tray” as a stand up desk for about 5 years. It works very well. It’s portable and students seem to enjoy being able to stand and work.

Here’s how I use a stand-up desk in the classroom >

The stand-up desk is always available for students to choose to use. If I notice a child is getting restless and wiggly, I suggest the student use the stand up desk for a while. Sometimes they do, other times they don’t. It’s up to the student.

I also suggest a student use it if they tend to tilt their chair dangerously very often. In that case, I require they use the desk for about 10 minutes and then let the child try sitting and working again.

Be sure to put some sort of NON-SLIP device - like people put under area rugs - under the legs for stability!!!

CAUTION
I’ve been guilty in the past of “taking away chairs” of students who seem unable to sit in them properly. I thought it would help students remember to sit correctly. Now, I feel that is a BAD idea. Have you ever tried writing at your kitchen table while standing up? If you’re at all like me, you will develop a back ache pretty quickly. It’s difficult to work when you’re in pain.

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Another view or two: More Pictures of Stand Up Desk

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.