Promote movement in schools for better focus
Natural movement improves learning
Humans are designed to walk, run, climb, jump, crawl, lift, swim and move naturally. Without movement, blood circulation is impaired, energy levels are lowered and it becomes more difficult to concentrate, which impairs the ability to learn. Therefore, encouraging movement is a crucial element of the physical environment.
Promoting movement in the classroom and other learning environments is not about furnishing with exercise bikes and treadmills, but rather about creating thoughtful flows in the school premises that are conducive to natural movement and variety. It’s also about choosing furniture that encourages small and positive movements. This can mean, for example, choosing ergonomic student chairs with back support, height-adjustable tables, or a variety of low and high tables that allow you to switch between sitting and standing. Your best position is your next position!
A variation of learning environments is good for everyone
Children and young people learn best in different ways. A varied interior therefore provides better conditions for focus for all pupils and creates accessibility and inclusion, whether working individually or together.
This can include the possibility to switch between sitting down or standing up and working, sitting on a soft sofa or armchair, lying on a mat, sitting on a balance ball or stools of different heights and models. The variety of furnishings encourages positive movement, which contributes to better concentration and the opportunity for all pupils to acquire knowledge and develop on their own terms.
“Solutions tailored to children with special needs often benefit everyone, but remember that different children learn best in different ways. Therefore, a varied and flexible, yet uniform, interior design solution can be key to providing all pupils with safety and focus.”
Education chairs that promote concentration
Sitting doesn't have to mean sitting still! Chairs with built-in micromovements help students stay focused for longer.
Xact – the student’s task chair
With Xact, Kinnarps has developed an ergonomic task chair for students. The chair has adjustable height, seat depth and weight resistance to give every student the perfect ergonomic working position, regardless of size or age. The Freefloat™ mechanism allows the seat and back to move with the student, encouraging positive micro-movements and helping to maintain concentration. Xact is also available in a smaller version, Xact Start, for younger children.
Xpect – embracing design with built-in movement
The embracing back gives the student their own space, safety and the possibility to vary their seating position. The flexing back provides a slight rocking effect and micro-movements to help maintain concentration. Xpect is a versatile chair family that offers different functionality and uses depending on the version you choose. It is also easy to stack and hang, which contributes to high flexibility.
47%
A study conducted by Demoskop on behalf of Kinnarps shows that almost half of all students in Sweden feel that they sit uncomfortably in their chair.
Education tables that support variation and movement
The right combination of table and chair is crucial to create a good sitting posture. Tables at the right height, together with ergonomic chairs, relieve the body and promote concentration. Height-adjustable tables or tables of different heights allow pupils to switch between sitting and standing, promoting movement during the school day. This is not only positive for students, but also creates better ergonomic conditions for teachers.
ELEVATE – Easy-to-place height adjustable table
Elevate is a height-adjustable table where the student easily adjusts the height with a lever under the table controlled by a gas spring. This makes it possible to switch between sitting and standing and always have the best height for their height. Varying your posture is crucial to counteract static positions and keep up energy.
ORIGO – A complete range of versatile tables
Origo is a complete table series with a focus on ergonomics, acoustics and flexibility to support the physical work and study environment. The tables are available in several fixed heights as well as with adjustable legs to offer high and low seating, allowing the student to change their working position during the day.
Static or uncomfortable working postures can be a negative distraction that prevents students from focusing on their current task. Read more about the importance of minimising negative distractions in learning environments to promote focused learning.
Furniture designed to promote movement
Here are some examples of furniture that allows pupils to move silently without disturbing their friends!
Read the full magazine
In the magazine Education Solution, we share knowledge and insights about how learning spaces affect the everyday lives of students and staff. You will explore how we together can create sustainable learning spaces for safety, focus, joy and an optimised learning.
