Blog & Calendar
Blog
Elevating Student Performance with Standing Desks
We all know that physical activity— whether it’s team sports, P.E., or recess time— has been linked to better success in school, not to mention improved health. But what about the notion of staying on your feet versus sitting behind a desk? Enter the standing-desk phenomenon.
Healthy habits are easier when they are developed early on, and CCES is committed to creating active education spaces that promote movement and collaboration to combat sedentary behavior in classrooms. This year, Upper School Director Wes Clarke distributed 37 standing desks in classrooms throughout the division. In addition, faculty standing desk converters were ordered in keeping with our wellness initiatives as outlined in the Strategic Plan, funded in part by the Cavalier Classics. Nearly all of the classrooms in the Upper School now have one or two standing desks. There are even standing desks in the college counseling office. “Students can roll one in and we can both stand or walk around as we brainstorm essay ideas or talk application strategies,” said Lindsey Waters, Associate Director of College Counseling.
Lane Abrams, Upper School Learning Specialist, asserts, “I have found when students need to be able to move, the standing desk allows them to do this, thus allowing them to be able to concentrate on a lecture or the assignment they are currently working on with more ease.” Engagement was a common theme when teachers were asked how standing desks have impacted their students' work and well-being. They especially noticed a big difference on days when students are drowsy, need to move around, or simply need a different option to help them stay focused. “I also have a standing option at my own desk and love the opportunity to stand and work,” said Kristi Ferguson, Upper School History Teacher. Sarah Hubert, Upper School English Teacher, fells like she concentrates better and works with more purpose when she is using her standing desk.
Flexible seating classrooms are also trending on the CCES campus. With flexible seating, traditional seating charts are replaced with seating arrangements that allow the students to sit where they choose in those classrooms. Cumi Ikeda, Upper School English Teacher has enacted coffeehouse-style seating in her classroom, and flexible classroom seating exists in Barbara Carter’s English classroom as well. The Upper School intends to add two more classrooms that are similar, likely history and math, this fall.
Okay, you may now stand up.
No comments have been posted
Christ Church Episcopal School (“CCES”) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CCES. CCES does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, national or ethnic origin, creed, religion, or sexual orientation in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, financial aid, scholarship or other programs, or athletic or other school-administered programs and activities.