Middle school students are always on the go. They seem to have an endless supply of energy, making it a challenge when it’s time to sit down and focus in class. Recognizing this struggle, teacher Emma Carter at Riverside Middle School in Springfield, Illinois, sought a solution to help her students concentrate better.
“When I transitioned from elementary to middle school teaching, I quickly noticed that my students found it tougher to stay engaged,” Carter explains. “It wasn’t that they wanted to fidget; they just had so much energy to burn. I started looking into ways to let them move around without disrupting the lesson.”
Inspired by innovative ideas like treadmill desks and standing workstations, Carter discovered Desk Cycles—compact pedal systems designed for use under desks. However, the cost was a concern.
Carter applied for a grant from the Educational Foundation, which funds projects promoting creativity, collaboration, communication, and critical thinking. With a successful proposal, she secured a $2000 grant, justifying her request by explaining how movement could enhance focus and foster critical thinking skills among her students. “I believed that if they could physically engage, they would also engage mentally,” she shared with a local news outlet.
After purchasing the desks in April, the results were almost immediate. “Within the first week, students were telling me they felt more focused,” Carter reported. The impact on academic performance was significant too. “I saw a noticeable rise in both the quality and quantity of their assignments. Last year, my struggling students had a 50 percent drop in missing work.”
Kids are naturally full of energy, and providing them with an outlet to channel that energy can help them concentrate on academics—like math! As physical education classes get reduced and recess time dwindles, creative solutions like pedal desks become increasingly crucial for our children. Carter advocates for the use of desk cycles in any school setting, stating, “Some days, students come in feeling anxious or overwhelmed, and they know that spending a period pedaling can help them feel better.”
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In summary, pedal desks have proven to be a valuable tool in helping middle schoolers harness their energy, leading to improved focus and academic performance. As education continues to evolve, such innovations are essential in fostering a conducive learning environment.