Does a stand up desk help students with homework? While it may not be the “be all and end all” solution, a stand up desk can help your child improve homework habits and increase productivity.
It makes perfect sense. Just think about it: After sitting for long periods of time at school, the last thing children want to do when they get home is sit down for another extended stretch while they complete their homework. Offering your child a stand up desk is one way to motivate him to complete his homework because it allows him to stay standing and move around, rather than be confined to his seat once again. Giving your child the option to stand while completing his work not only helps him to remain more focused and alert, but can also improve his mood and behavior, since standing burns more energy than sitting. This can be especially beneficial for the child with ADHD.
The great thing is, you don’t have to run out and spend money on a new piece of furniture to provide your child with a stand up desk. All you have to do is create an area where he can comfortably stand up and do his work. Kitchen counters, for example, work great as stand up desks. Your child can use the space to set up his laptop and complete any paper-based assignments, and still have some freedom to move around.
I, myself, am a big proponent of stand up desks, and I’ve actually used one for about three years now. I’ve found that it increases my productivity and attention. I don’t use my stand up desk exclusively, however. I also have an area where I can sit down, too. What I’ve found is, working on my computer while standing up is very helpful, but sometimes I prefer sitting down when I have to complete paper and pencil work. That said, it’s a good idea to have two options available for your child.
It seems school administrators are beginning to recognize the value of the stand up desk option for students, as many schools are now considering implementing them into classrooms. And they have good reason to. According to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health, which followed children in four Texas classrooms who were provided stand up desks, not only do most students prefer standing to sitting, but, standing while working actually boosted productivity.
Coupled with the fact that sitting for long periods of time can lead to child obesity and a variety of health hazards, including high blood pressure and increased cholesterol levels, stand up desks seem to be a smart solution for many students and certainly a trend that will likely gain popularity in the education community.