The Columbus School, 2D class took a step into the future this new school year. By adopting new teaching methods, they said “goodbye” to normal chairs and welcomed bouncy balls into their learning space.

The second grade classroom has been the headquarters for this progressive and innovative experiment, tested by this group of students and led by their teacher, Trentino Parcells. By finding comfort and novelty, the kids have experienced the benefits of this unique system, possibly influencing the whole TCS community.

“I bought a couple balls at the beginning, I asked the kids which they liked better; they said the balls, so we got balls for everybody,” 2D homeroom teacher, Parcells said.

Even though it has been a significant adjustment, the whole class has embraced this new change positively, by having the chance to move, bounce and work freely.

Second grade student, Elisa Marulanda Vargas commented [as well as most of the kids from the class], “We can relax; it helps us to relieve stress”, although she also added, “Sometimes my back hurts, so I just rest on top of the desk.”

How good is actually this new “way of thinking”? Studies have proven that implementing the use of these “alternative chairs” into the classroom can incredibly help children with attention, hyperactivity issues or who simply need to fidget and move around.

“I like to get them moving around, especially with the little kids… if I have them sitting all day, they’re playing with their fingers, and their pencils [unable to concentrate]”, explained Parcells. “Even though I take a few minutes away from the class to do fun activities, the kids reward me with ten extra minutes of focus.”