I've had a lot of questions about alternative seated options lately, so I decided to highlight a few of my favorites and discuss their benefits!
The Wobble Chair (Blue Stool)- This is a product I found, and fell in love with, while at the AOTA conference last year. I love this option for kiddos because it provides a bit of movement and sensory support to children as they work at their desks. This movement and sensory support helps with attention and focus, who doesn't want that?! While some kids can sit still in their traditional chairs all day, many can't. This seat/chair is perfect for all those little fidgeters out there AND for those teachers who are nervous about having a therapy ball as a chair! This solves the "rolling" problem! (Not going to lie, this is my favorite thing to sit on throughout the day.)
https://www.wobbleseat.com
A Wiggle Cushion (the round gray disk)- I think the technical term is "disc'o'seat" (??), but I prefer to say wiggle cushion:). This is something that can be placed on a child's chair that will provide movement and sensory support so that they can focus and attend. I use this for kiddos while they're sitting on a chair or on the floor during a game.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiggle-Inflatable-Sensory-Chair-Cushion/dp/B00KAPD58O
The Peanut Ball (Green Ball)- I often use this as a chair, mostly at places that don't have a wobble chair available. I prompt the child to sit on it like they're going to ride a bike and that both feet must stay on the ground. This provides a little bounce, where as the wobble chair and wiggle cushion provide more of a rocking motion. Some children have a preference but I find most are as happy with a peanut ball as a wobble chair.
https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Anti-Burst-Peanut-Ball-Variety/dp/B013CHE7O2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1523914761&sr=8-3&keywords=peanut+ball&dpID=41e90MgycjL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
Flat Back Chairs (not pictured)- honestly I have no idea what most therapists call these chairs, but I call them flat back chairs. No idea how that started, but now I can't call them anything else haha, sorry. In any case, these are perfect during circle time. They provide a gentle boundary for kiddos and you'll find they won't move around as much. Sometimes kiddos are fidgety during circle time due to a lack of core stability or concrete boundaries, this chair fixes both issues!
https://www.amazon.com/Sundale-Outdoor-Adjustable-Soft-Brushed-Five-Position/dp/B01AB8BK04/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1523914789&sr=8-8&keywords=flat+back+chair
As with any sensory strategy, it is highly recommended that you preview the expectations prior to starting with any of these alternative seats. Have the child repeat these expectations back and any consequences they might encounter so there's no wondering if you're all on the same page. This helps with successful use about 95% of the time. I also always give just a few minutes in the beginning for the child to get used to the seat before getting down to business, this also helps with successful use.
Enjoy!