Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional sitting on a bouncing ball (a math miracle)

Wow Belle that would be great for DS6 too - its funny to watch him working even though we got him a wobble cushion for class he still spends most of his time standing over his desk, which obviously is not going to be good for his back long term and at home he kneels on my desk or the kitchen table when doing stuff.

I'm curious about the wobble cushion. How is that working out?

hi all
i haven't kept up much with the thread i started, but just read thru it. I love all the info and ideas, especailly the motion desks! My DD7 started second grade yesterday and i was so relieved to not have any "real" homework the first night. He was given an assignment to go around the house and collect items of importance to him to share with the class. Now thats my kind of homework!!

what did occur to me is that if he needs to bounce to concentrate on math, then i might be barking up the wrong tree with giving him manipulative math materials (montessori type) to help visualize his math homework. I picture the beads flying around... so thinking more a mental math approach might work. I remember this coming up on another thread and wonder if anyone here has had experience with mental math.. he can do the simple stuff like adding 12 + 13 in his head, which surprised him and me.. but i don't know how to teach beyond that.
irene

Hi Elisa

The wobble cushion was recommended by OT to help with his constant desire for proproceptive input (he did his WISC sat on the arm of his chair - a thin wooden arm and during his OT assessment he constantly rocked back and forth when required to sit for table work). Unfortunately he's given up on them - still prefers to kneel, stand or perch but his teacher has taken to throwing him a squishy ball during mat time otherwise he just can't concentrate long enough to take in the instruction. He always reports back to us and his teacher that he finds mat time really, really boring. Thank god for a great teacher that understands how these kids tick!