I like to think I am a “think out of the box” teacher.
I like to find solutions to problems that some might steer clear of…
because my students think out of the box
and they deserve solutions as unique as they are.
And let me tell you.
My
this year is unique.
They are colorful in spirit. Each child has a wonderful heart.
They are delightful in their attempts.
{And isn’t that half of learning?
TRYING, ATTEMPTING, and putting forth effort?}
They are so much fun to lead into learning
because they surprise me and inspire me.
They PUSH me to work hard,
do more,
and think differently.
I have tons of wigglers this year…
and accidental chair flippers,
and even a “w” sitter.
My table chairs has always been optional.
{for as long as I can remember.}
You can stand if you want.
You can sit if you want.
But if you can’t sit the right way {aka flip your chair} you lose it.
I just love you too much to let you hurt yourself or others.
Several of my
choose to work standing most of the time.
And some of the time our chairs get a little out of control.
We try to remember to push our chairs in when we are not using them,
but more often they are pushed behind them.
A few months ago a sweet friend of mine, Debbie Clement, showed me these chairs called
{I should mention that all my tables are color coded with matching colorful chairs!
Red table has red chairs.
Orange table has orange chairs.
Yellow table has yellow chairs.
Green table has green chairs.
Blue table has blue chairs.
Purple table has green chairs because I don’t have purple chairs.}
I was intrigued because I love the idea of different seating options,
but I also have serious space issues.
I don’t have room for those ball chairs.
I saw these chairs and I KNEW I had to try them out.
So I took a risk and ordered 4 gray wobble chairs.
I knew I had a minimum of 4 students who would LOVE to try them out.
The box was surprisingly small.
I was shocked when I saw it came in 3 pieces…
just like this.
I put them together without any tools in under a minute and they have a tight hold.
My own 6 year old tried it out at home and BEGGED me to leave them at home.
{She can get little jealous of all the things I bring home,
but them take to school.}
Here are the four chairs set up at one of my tables.
My students noticed these seat right away.
I gave them the simple rule…
both feet on the floor.
To say these chairs were a hit would be the largest understatement of the year.
Teachers kids come in before and after school to sit on them.
My own
beg to sit on them.
One friend would get his chair then CARRY it around with him
so he wouldn’t loose it to someone else.
{No, I don’t allow that. But I do appreciate the effort.
“Think out side the box” class remember?}
Everyday these chairs were a blessing for my students.
My students kept talking about how much loved them.
I kept telling my husband how much I loved them.
My daughter kept telling her daddy how much she loved them.
So, one night my Sweetie Pie Husband asked me what I wanted for my birthdday.
{My usual response is a tech toy.}
I told him that I really wanted more Wobble Chairs.
{Over an iPad people, I could have gotten an iPad.
That alone should tell you something.}
He said, “Well, get some more then!”
He gave me permission to buy some for my class!
So I talked to Debbie again and she told me if you order
12 Wobble Chairs, you get free shipping.
I wasn’t going to order that many…
but Hubs saw the value and agreed!
So I did what every smart gal does…
I ordered them on the spot before he changed his mind!
I ordered the kids 12″ chairs in yellow, red, and purple seats this time.
Why? I didn’t have purple chairs for the purple table.
3 of the yellow table chairs were the same, but one of them wasn’t and it drives me bananas.
And I liked how bright the red color was.
And they came SUPER FAST!
Here are all 12 Wobble Chairs.
{Super small packaging!}
If you thought Christmas was fun…
you have never seen your student walk into the room colorful Wobble Chairs.
I opened up the purple chairs first and set them up.
Notice this picture…
1. They pushed away the blue seat to make way for the Wobble Chairs. They love the chairs that much. But I don’t allow this. This was a great teachable moment. Chairs stay at their tables so we don’t have a mess everywhere.
2. Do you see both hands on the table? Yep… she is prob about to twist on the chair. We talk about that too!
Those are the two biggest problems we had.
And that is NOTHING compared to the stillness in my room.
My students “wobble” while they work or stand or sit in a regular chair.
And there is actually MORE active, but LESS distracting with their movement.
We are not flipping chairs!
I opened up the yellow ones next.
And the red ones.
Once we had more chairs, the small issue of moving chairs around stopped.
{I know have 16 in all since I started with the gray, then I added yellow, red, and purple for 16 in all.
I still have a blue and green table with regular chairs so NOT everyone gets a wobble seat.}
Also, we don’t have many twisters anymore.
We are still working on two feet on the floor rule…
but we work on lots of things in kidnergarten.
And the chair balance well when you don’t have two feet down.
It is pretty cool.
I love the EXTRA ROOM we have now.
These seats take up very little room.
They push in easily.
And students can pick them up and place them on the tables themselves for clean up.
I love the COLORS!
They have so many colors I was shocked.
Since I color coded my tables, having matching colorful chairs with them is awesome.
My students love the OPTION of wiggling while they sit.
When you see my class sitting or standing to work, you don’t see crazy movements…
you see natural rocking or standing.
I also love the ASSEMBLY.
They were so easy to put together. And they stay together well.
I love the MATERIAL.
They are lightweight and easy to clean. Even with messy art projects and muddy shoes.
After a little bit of time using these chairs I rarely have an issue with students using them incorrectly.
Where can you get Wobble Seats?
And I love Debbie Clement.
Yes, you can buy these chairs for the same price on Amazon.
But I want you to consider buying them through Debbie on this site.
They are the EXACT same product but
I love to buy from people instead of companies when you can.
You can use PO money and go through Donor’s Choose as well.
Debbie is a great women who uses these funds to help support her family.
That is meaningful to me!
{And remember there is FREE Shipping if you over 12!}
I want to note I am not getting paid in ANY way to write this post, I simple love these chairs.
The truth is, I purchase them myself and asked Debbie if I could write this post to share what I love.
I wrote a grant for these for my classroom!! My awarded limit is $1,000. I found them for $50 each…. If you don't mind my asking, where did you get them and what did you pay?
These look awesome! I've never heard of them, but I think they'd be great for kids. Love seeing them in your class!
Kelly
Lattes and Lunchrooms
I love these. I am going to do some scheming to get some. Thanks for sharing
The first time that I saw the "Wobble Seat" at a conference I was hooked! Then once I sat down and started to wobble and rock? I was forever hooked!!! I knew in a heartbeat that these unique seats were THE answer for some children. For 'that' child! Before we left the conference, I had made the arrangements to distribute them in the hopes of teachers having one more tool in their toolbox.
My husband built me a website so that we could share them further.
Mary, your bringing your spotlight and attention to their use in YOUR classroom is a beacon for others. I especially appreciate your pointing out the truth of 'buying through PEOPLE, rather than conglomerates.'
I have since met the inventor of these unique chairs and have heard first hand how and why he was led to design and create them. Fascinating stuff for certain. Everyone that we have ever sold them to has returned for additional Wobbles as their budget allow.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for your ringing endorsement. I know that children's lives are impacted when their needs can be met. Hearing occupational therapists respond to seeing the Wobble Seats for the first time, solidifies what I knew and felt myself on that first wobble.
As a result of your kindness, I know children will benefit.
My deepest gratitude for your taking the time to document how these are being used in your room, by your students.
P.S. Just this morning we have received an inquiry for someone in need of a LARGE order of Wobble Seats! TY TY TY TY TY
Debbie Clement
Rainbows Within Reach
I'm so excited I saw your post! My teammates and I have been looking into writing a grant for these chairs and I can't wait to show them all this. These chairs look awesome! Thanks again! 🙂
I've already started writing my DC project for chairs and shared on my FB page. I'm eager to see the results of using the chairs in my classroom on a daily basis! Yay for a supportive hubby!
How do you go about ordering from Debbie's site on Donors Choose?
I will ask. I don't know myself.
Thank you!!
Where did you find purple ones??? I have looked on several sights… no purple!
I found purple ones on Amazon. There is not a purple option on Debbie Clement's site.
There are 2 PAGES on Debbie's site. if you click on the bottom, you can see the second page… with PURPLE seats… http://www.wobbleseat.com/Products.asp?ACTION=CAT&CAT=162&page=2&cnt=7
What size did you order for your class?
I just got one a month ago for free with my Scholastic points.
Wow!!! I have so many wigglers who could benefit from these chairs! No more tipped chairs…no more calling all “all four on the floor!” #gamechanger Setting up a Donors Choose ASAP.
How do you know what size chair to get?
Love it! I ordered mine before I saw your blog. I ordered 10inch. Please tell me this will still work and won’t be too small!!
I don’t think so! Esp because some years I have SHORT kids!