Footstool Fit for Kids

  • Situation

    As an educational consultant in schools, I often see young children at desks with their feet dangling, the chairs are too high.  Could this be a factor affecting behavior and if so what can I tell teachers to do?

  • Summary

    When children sit in chairs with their feet dangling for lengthy periods of time, fatigue can set in and affect the whole body consequently leading to interfering behaviors including difficulty attending.

  • Definition

    ‘Footstool Fit for Kids’ is a simple intervention that uses a footstool made out of household material that can quickly and easily solve ‘foot dangling’ issues preventing fatigue and possible interfering behaviors.

  • Quick Facts

    • Child's Age: 3-5, 6-10, 11-13
    • Planning Effort: Low
    • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Pre-requisites

    Access to old phone books and duct tape

  • Process

    1. Determine if one or more students are unable to touch the floor with their feet when seated in a chair.

    2. If there is no access to a footstool that will provide adequate height for the child, secure small or large phone books and explore the appropriate size for the child making sure his/her legs are not too high.

    3. Once the correct number of books and size are determined, use duct tape to secure the book or books tightly so there is no movement.

    4. Utilize this as a footstool for the child to reduce fatigue.

  • Documents and Related Resources

     

     

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