# Evaluating the Use of Alternative Seating with Kindergarteners at Risk for Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Classroom behavior management is a critical area of focus for teachers working with young children, especially those identified as at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). A recent study by Bloom-Williams, Crosland, and Fuller (2023) explores how alternative seating options can help improve behavior in kindergarten students who struggle with staying seated and on-task. Their findings offer valuable insights for behavior analysts and educators alike.
## Understanding Emotional and Behavioral Challenges in Kindergarten
Children with EBD often have difficulty following classroom expectations. These challenges can include:
- Frequent out-of-seat behavior
- Difficulty maintaining attention during lessons
- High rates of teacher prompts and corrections
Early intervention is essential to prevent long-term academic and social difficulties. Finding effective ways to support these students in maintaining appropriate classroom behavior can improve engagement and learning outcomes.
## Exploring Alternative Seating Options
Alternative seating has gained attention as a way to support students who need movement while learning. Instead of forcing students to remain in traditional chairs, alternative seating allows for controlled physical activity, which may benefit attention and behavior. Common options include:
- Stability stools, which allow slight movements while seated
- Scoop rocker chairs, which enable gentle rocking motions
- Therapy balls, which encourage controlled bouncing
The study by Bloom-Williams et al. (2023) specifically examined stability stools and scoop rocker chairs to determine their impact on behavioral outcomes in kindergarteners at risk for EBD.
## How the Study Was Conducted
### Participants and Setting
The research focused on three kindergarten students identified as at risk for EBD. These students exhibited frequent out-of-seat behavior, making them ideal candidates for evaluating alternative seating interventions. The study was conducted during class periods that required seated work, ensuring relevant data collection.
### Types of Seating Used
The study compared:
1. **Typical desk chairs:** Standard classroom chairs used as a baseline.
2. **Stability stools:** Kore Wobble Chairs, which allow movement while sitting.
3. **Scoop rocker chairs:** Floor-seated chairs that allow students to rock gently.
### Measuring Behavior
The study tracked:
- **In-seat behavior:** Whether children remained in their seat during assigned times.
- **On-task behavior:** The extent to which students engaged with classroom activities.
- **Teacher prompts:** The number of times teachers had to remind students to stay seated or focused.
Data was collected using digital recording applications and analyzed for trends across different seating types.
## What the Study Found
### Key Findings
1. Both alternative seating options led to improvements in **in-seat behavior** compared to traditional chairs.
2. The **stability stools** showed the most significant improvement in keeping students seated.
3. **On-task behavior** also improved with alternative seating but varied among students.
4. **Teacher prompts decreased**, indicating a reduced need for redirection when students used alternative seating.
### Student Preference
At the end of the study, students were allowed to choose their preferred seating. Two out of three students selected the stability stool, suggesting a preference for seating that allows controlled movement while still supporting engagement.
## Implications for Behavior Analysts and Educators
The findings support the idea that allowing for movement in the classroom can help young students with behavioral challenges stay engaged. Behavior analysts and educators can consider the following strategies:
- **Incorporating alternative seating as an intervention** for students struggling with in-seat behavior.
- **Observing student preferences** to determine which seating option best meets individual needs.
- **Using data collection** to assess whether alternative seating results in improved classroom engagement.
## Final Thoughts
The research by Bloom-Williams et al. (2023) highlights the potential benefits of alternative seating in supporting kindergarten students at risk for EBD. By allowing movement while maintaining engagement, stability stools and scoop rocker chairs may provide effective classroom interventions.
For behavior analysts and educators interested in learning more, the full study can be accessed here:
[https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00852-7](https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-023-00852-7).
Behavior analysts should continue exploring practical strategies to support students with behavioral challenges, enhancing classroom experiences for all learners.
