How to Keep Kids' Feet on the Floor at Desks

Good posture is important for a healthy spine. Sitting incorrectly can cause degenerative back conditions and may promote back pain. When students are sitting for long periods of time, they may lift their feet off the floor or slouch, which can cause stress on their backs. Nevertheless, by preparing seating correctly and using the right strategies in class, teachers can reduce the tendency of students to lift their feet off the floor.

Things You'll Need

• Chairs
• Desks
• Screw Driver
• Stability balls

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Instructions

Sitting Properly

• 1

  Check the size of the chairs and desks to make sure that they are appropriate for the ages and size of the students. Desks and chairs come in different sizes so younger children should have lower desks and chairs so that their feet comfortable touch the floor. Adjust the chairs so that children's feet can easily touch the floor.

• 2

  Provide cushions or allow students to bring in their own so they are more comfortable. If children are comfortable, they are less likely to fidget or lift their feet.

• 3

  Remind students to keep their feet on the floor when they are sitting at their desks. Explain that poor posture and lifting their feet can be unsafe and result in back problems. In addition, lifting feet off the floor, especially when rocking back on a chair, can be dangerous if the chair falls backward.

• 4

  Move the students around. Try to avoid having the students sit in their chairs for prolonged periods of time so they do not get uncomfortable. Teach some lessons while students are seated on the floor or give assignments that give students the opportunity to stand.

• 5

  Offer students who have difficulty keeping their feet on the floor the opportunity to sit on stability balls instead of chairs. When sitting on a ball, students have to keep their feet on the floor in order to balance. Additionally, students can bounce on the balls while they are seated.