Page 24 - School Planning & Management, January/February 2019

Sponsored Content
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VS AMERICA
Agile School Furniture by VS America
24 SCHOOL PLANNING & MANAGEMENT / JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 WEBSPM.COM
Did You Know?
Students aged:
6-10 can’t sit still more than 5 minutes on average. 11-15 can’t sit still more than 15 minutes on average. 16-20 can’t sit still more than 25 minutes on average.
MOVEMENT IS KEY, SO STUDENTS NEED FURNITURE THEY CAN be free to move in. Physical activity is not only healthy; it’s also smart. Spontaneous movement is the only way children
develop fully, even small movements, such as fidgeting, improve test scores. Organic movement is integrated into instruction to maintain attention and concentration to inspire motion, helping create stimu- lating learning spaces.
Integrating More Movement into School Routines
In order to learn, the brain needs the whole body. For successful learning and general health, certain physiological requirements must be fulfilled. Children can only develop in a healthy and performance- effective way if they get enough exercise. This is why schools today are schools in motion: work and recreation sessions alternate and movement is integrated into learning in a variety of ways to keep at- tention and concentration levels up. Dynamic and ergonomic student furniture makes a fundamental contribution here.
Make Peace with Fidgeting
Research showing interconnection between moving and brain activity invalidates the commonly held notion that moving is somehow counterproductive to paying attention.
A student leaning back, fidgeting or tilting her or his chair is generally exhibiting healthy active behavior, not hyperactivity. This behavior is
the body’s way of supporting the brain. For students to be appropriately engaged, both physical and mental states need to be focused on working together. Once this goal is accomplished, the challenge then becomes how to design classroom furniture—and classroom activities—that meet the physical and mental needs of the developing human body and mind.
Importance of Ergonomics
It is crucial that each student has a chair and table that suits their height. With ergonomic furniture in classrooms, students can sit dynamically and experience physical, mental, and developmental benefits. Physical well-being and flexibility help create ideal condi- tions for authentic learning, both individually and collaboratively. VS
offers chairs and tables in varying sizes, or that are easily adjusted to the appropriate height, so every student has their perfect fit.
About VS America
VS America provides adaptable, ergonomic, and environmentally- friendly educational furniture solutions that allow for the creation of flexible learning environments.
VS America originates from a history of ergonomic innovation that dates back to 1898 with VS in Germany, the leading manufacturer
of educational furniture. Focused on best practices for educational facilities, VS develops flexible, sustainable furniture of the highest quality and design for all learning environments.
At VS, we believe successful learning should balance the needs of the body, mind, and soul. We always encourage mobility and natural curiosity. From our fully-adjustable chairs to modular tables that encourage collaboration, we believe that learning is an active process. When students engage their senses while learning, the long-term benefits include a heightened focus, stronger motivation, and a sense of well-being.
VS — Ahead of the Curve
VS furniture is designed to promote healthy, active students. We craft unique furniture solutions so educators can create their own adapt- able environments and use a variety of teaching and learning styles.
VS’s innovative and integrative products continue to inspire cre- ativity, promote autonomy, and encourage collaboration throughout educational facilities worldwide. For more information, please visit www.vsamerica.com. SPM