Exercise Balls in the Math Classroom

A 5th grade teacher uses stability balls to build math minds

Shayla Pritchard

West Virginia fifth graders use exercise balls while learning math in Shayla Pritchard’s classroom.

As a math and science 5th grade teacher, I am always looking for ways to engage my students in class. Sometimes, it’s a real-world math lesson or hands-on activity. Other times, it’s an activity that blends physical movement and a learning experience.

Bouncing through math lessons

I began using exercise balls last school year as alternative seating for my students. They have really enjoyed the change! I use both exercise balls and traditional chairs when I group students at their tables. They take turns sitting on a ball or on a chair and do a great job managing this themselves.

Students will sit on the exercise balls while they work on DynaMath. We often use DynaMath as a break from our curriculum lessons for a more enjoyable, flexible math and reading lesson. One thing I like about the magazine is that it provides students the opportunity to read about math as it relates to real life.

Most students like sitting on the balls because they can bounce around and get out their wiggles. They also sometimes bounce and work simultaneously. Over time, my students have told me they have less back pain and stronger core muscles. 

Beyond the exercise ball

My students sit at the ball seats on a daily basis, but they’re also given opportunities to work on the floor or work standing up. As long as they are learning, I don't mind allowing them to have unconventional seating arrangements.

Above all, I want my students to be able to focus their energy on learning and comprehending math concepts.

Do your students benefit from alternative seating in your class? Share your experiences by sending us an email.

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Shayla Pritchard is a 5th grade math and science teacher at the Harts Pk-8 School in Harts, West Virginia.

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