Improving Focus and Academics in the Classroom Environment with Sit-Sta

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is becoming an increasing problem for children in America. According to Understanding Abnormal Psychology, it is one of the most common disorders among children entering the classroom (Lyons, Martin, 2009). Although children have a lot of energy to burn, as they enter school they are required to sit still for long hours. Children with and without ADHD have had a hard time staying focused and have suffered academically. If the classroom environment is improved then children will be more productive and be able to focus for longer periods of time. Declining academic scores and increasing diagnoses of ADHD in children bring new challenges to the traditional classroom. Throughout a typical day physical activity among children in traditional public schools can be increased with an ergonomically structured classroom. Physical activity has been shown to increase memory and cognitive function among children and adults (Carlson, Fulton, Lee, Maynard, Brown, Kohl, Dietz, 2008). Additionally, physical activity helps lower the incidence of behavioral issues in the classroom and beyond (Carlson, et al, 2008). Evidence gathered regarding physical activity and cognitive and social development suggests that physical activity increases mental health and cognitive functions (Tomporowski, Davis, Miller, Naglieri, 2007). The classroom environment does not effectively consider the best ways for children to be attentive and succeed. Replacing traditional sit down desks with sit-stand workstations will improve the focus and academic achievements of children in school (Benden, Blake, Wendel, Huber, 2011). A sit-stand workstation with stool is a desk that allows students to either sit or stand... ...ng, CA: Horizon Textbook Publishing. Nemko, M. (2004-2012). The problem with boys. Retrieved from http://www.martynemko.com/articles/problem-with-boys_id1546 Sparks, S. D. (2011). Report points to widening gap in boys' educational attainment. Informally published manuscript, Retrieved from http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/inside-school-research/2011/05/report_boys_college_readiness.html Telford, R. D., Cunningham, R. B., Fitzgerald, R., Olive, L. S., Prosser, L., Jiang, X., & Telford, R. M. (2012). Physical education, obesity, and academic achievement: A 2-year longitudinal investigation of Australian elementary school children. American Journal of Public Health, 102(2), 368-374. Zentall, S. S., Kuester, D. A., & Craig, B. A. (2011). Social behavior in cooperative groups: Students at risk for ADHD and their peers. The Journal of Educational Research, (104), 28-41.