Why choose alternative seating? Alternative seating is the use of different forms of seating equipment (wobble chairs or cushions, therapy balls, wiggle cushions and wedges among others) to support children’s sensory or motor needs in a classroom setting. While research is still emerging on this topic there are promising results including this study which demonstrated statistically significant increases in on task behavior and decreases in off task behavior in 5th grade students as well as positive perceptions of alternative seating from the students, this study which concludes that “students are able to identify the types of seats that help them stay engaged in the classroom”, and this study which found that the increased on task behavior from using alternative seating translated to overall improved engagement and collaboration in the classroom.

How to implement in your classroom?

There are several important considerations to take into account with alternative seating. The first is physical needs including core strength, pelvic tilt or contractures. Second, sensory needs are an important consideration. For example, some students benefit greatly from the extra movement that wobble cushions or chairs provide, but for others the vestibular input may be dysregulating. It is also important to not single out or make one student feel uncomfortable by using alternative seating while their peers are not.

Our general recommendations: chose several options so no child is singled out and there is reduced conflict over wanting particular options, consult a specialist (seating or SI Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist) for significant motor or sensory challenges, and empower students by allowing them to make the best choice for their bodies.

This also doesn’t mean you have to throw out traditional chairs and tables! Small modifications can be made to chairs and tables and alternative seating can also be used for only portions of the day (circle time, independent or small group work time for example) if that makes the most sense for your classroom.

Our Picks

For Increased Sensory Input

Wobble Chair

Wobble Cushion

Bean Bags (Extra support by having your sensory/proprioceptive seekers pull these across the classroom to bring out/put away)

Therapy Ball

Rocker Chair

To Support Postural Stability

Gel Seat Insert

Beach Chair

Floor Seat

Adaptations While Using Traditional Chairs and Tables

Theraband (to wrap around legs of chairs to rest feet or kick)

Weighted Lap Pad or Blanket

Weighted Stuffed Animal. A cheaper alternative is filling a neck cushion with a bag of beans.

Free (or very cheap)!

-Laying on your belly during circle time and small work to provide increased input and support core strength

-Use cardboard boxes or old phone books (if you can still find one) to support posture and prevent dangling feet

-Stick bits of velcro on top of or underneath desks for an easy fidget that isn’t too distracting

Just a heads up, Time4OT is an Amazon affiliate and we may receive a small commission from all Amazon products purchased through our website. We only recommend items we truly love and have tried. Time4OT’s recommendations are educational and informational only and do not take the place of skilled medical services; engaging in any activities listed is understood to be at your own risk and professional medical opinion.