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Today's modern classroom is hub of action, with students moving from carpet to desks and from large group to small to individual work spots. Standing desks are becoming a staple, as they assist students to maintain ergonomically correct positioning, improve attention/focus, and maintain task participation to completion (Spinabella, 2011).
Are you experimenting with a standing desk that has a swinging footrest? Do you love your students' increased concentration? Have you discovered that teachers are finding the price of a self-regulated student is added noise as the bar clinks on stools, or visually distracting motion as footrests swing wildly in the classroom? Is a student picking up the swinging footrest, placing it in his lap and using his pencil as a drumstick?
Fulfill your role as a related service provider in school by supporting teachers in holding students' attention without adding extraneous sound and activity to their environment. There is an easy, inexpensive fix! Here are three modifications you can make; the supplies cost less than $10 at your local hardware store.
Purchase
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A piece of foam pipe insulation. This is pre-split so you won't have to cut the tube open. Both the adhesive and non-adhesive styles will work.
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A small roll of super adhesive cloth tape.
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A small bundle of 3/8" or 1/2" cord.
Reduce the Noise
Directions:
Cut the pipe insulation to length. Gently open the tube at its perforation. Place it on the foot rest. Tape along the length and the circumference at both ends and in the middle of the pipe insulation along the length.
Control the Swing (Moderate)
Directions:
Use three simple ½ hitch knots to tie the cord to (1) back leg of the table.
Loop the cord around the foot rest. Check the swing of the foot rest, then secure the cord onto the foot rest with one ½ hitch knot.
Secure the bar by tying it to the other (2) back leg of the table with three simple ½ hitch knots. Use the fabric tape to secure cord ends and the middle in place.
Place pipe insulation (see Reduce the Noise, above) over the cord and secure it in place.
Control the Swing (Extreme)
Follow the directions for the moderate tie down, above. Then, repeat with another piece of cord extending from a front leg of the table, to the foot rest, and over to the other front table leg. Work with your student so that you don't over-control the swing of the bar.
Place pipe insulation (see Reduce the Noise, above) over the cord and secure it in place.
The Sound and Look of Success
 Outside the classrooms, snow is beginning to softly settle onto the ground. It is pristine, white, and silent. Inside, just as quietly, foot rests wave gently to and fro. Students have settled into their winter work. Their teacher has their attention and a calmer classroom. Everyone will enjoy this good school year.
Mary Block, MS, OTR/L, is the owner of School-Ready Therapy, a private OT clinic, and works part-time as a staff therapist for Barrington CUSD 220 in Illinois.
References
Spinabella, K. (2001). Stand up for good health. Advance for Occupational Therapy Practitioners. Vol. 27. Issue 26. Pg. 14. Posted on August 1, 2011.
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