Check out these floor seats for kids who struggle with core muscle weakness or sensory concerns!
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If you are a classroom teacher, especially for elementary, middle or high school kiddos, you probably spend a good percentage of your day struggling to keep kids from fidgeting their way across the room so that they can actually keep their bodies alert and attentive to what you are trying to teach.
But what about those toddlers and preschoolers? A 20-minute circle time can feel like running a marathon for the teachers and other staff members working with those younger kiddos. We like to compare this time of day in a preschool classroom to a life-sized game of Whack-A-Mole. It is incredibly challenging to get children of this age to sit still.
For some kids, sitting still on the floor can be one of the most challenging parts of the school day. Kids need to move and being confined to a carpet square or letter on the circle time rug for more than a few minutes can make many kids want to crawl out of their skin. Whether they’re seeking out sensory input or having difficulty maintaining a sitting position on the floor because of weak core muscles, sitting on the floor can be tough for kids!
Try one of these 5 clever floor seats for keeping your sensory seekers (vestibular and proprioceptive) or your kiddos with a weaker core happy, engaged, and learning. These ideas are also great for deterring kids from W-Sitting!
The Best Floor Seats for Kids
1 || Scoop Rocker
While this option can present itself as more of a fun amusement park ride at first, letting kids explore the rocking motion during free play can help the novelty wear off so that when circle time comes around, it’s easier to use it appropriately. This option is best for the kids who aren’t seeking vestibular input and who are cognitively able to adhere to the rules of the chair. All that said, they can be great for regulating kids that need just a bit of movement to stay focused!
2 || Stadium Seats
These are perfect for kids who need just a bit more trunk support to stay sitting up and helps to alleviate some of the required postural endurance to stay in that position for longer periods of time.
3 || Howda Hug Chair
A multi-purpose seat with adjustable straps designed to “hug” and comfort. This chair provides support and freedom of movement and is ideal for providing a secure and grounded feeling. Bonus: it rolls up and has a carrying strap to store compactly!
4 || Wobble Cushion
We love these because they act as a “spot” for a wiggly preschooler’s homebase! Wobble cushions are great for providing sensory input and, as an unstable base, they provide an option for core strengthening while attending to the story of the day!
5 || Body Sock
Sometimes, kids just need a little proprioceptive input to help them stay in one spot! A body sock, even just around her legs, might be the resistance she needs to calm her body.
6 || Nada Chair Kiddy-Up
This is a great option for kids who struggle with supporting themselves in unsupported sitting. The straps work for both long sitting and tailor sitting, so kids can experience a variety of positions.
Looking for more great seating ideas? Our ebook, Wiggle Worms: A Guide to Alternative Seating for the Classroom, offers a complete guide to flexible seating solutions in the educational setting.
You can also check out some of our best circle time tips and strategies to help kids get the most out of this important part of the school day.
