Merrill’s students at Mill Creek trade desks for yoga balls

Mill Creek students Wisdom Gwynn, Kayla Chen, Leandre Watkins and Ethan Holder interact while sitting on yoga balls. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Amber Merrill is experimenting with a nationwide trend by replacing student desks with yoga balls in her sixth-grade math classes as Mill Creek Elementary School.

Merrill first switched her desk chair with a yoga ball in 2008 after reading about health benefits in core strengthening and improving posture. She then replaced stools at a table with balance balls, which students were eager to use.

“I quickly realized I could use this as a motivational tool,” she said. Merrill completed online research, received permission from then principal Melanie Barkley and informed parents.

Identical to yoga balls at a gym, the balance balls measure 45-55 cm with soft, pliable material. Size varies on the user’s height. She did keep five chairs for students who prefer that seating.

The yoga balls were incentives for classroom enthusiasm. “By sixth grade, students (are) in two groups — the ‘I love math’ group and ‘I hate math’ group. If I get them excited to be in the room, maybe I have a chance to get them excited about math,” Merrill said.

Bouncing, throwing or kicking yoga balls is prohibited. The consequence: sit on a chair.

Merrill used her savings to purchase the yoga balls. She paid $12 per ball and $20 each for area rugs, which eliminate squeaking noises.

She polled her students, and 97 percent of her 103 students preferred the yoga balls and thought all teachers should switch. “They like that it keeps them moving and the blood flowing,” Merrill said.

Sixth-grader Kailyn Walker first thought, “‘What is Mrs. Merrill thinking? Nobody is going to be able to concentrate.'” Now, Walker thinks they’re comfortable and less distracting.

“The yoga balls are awesome. They keep me focused and help me learn,” Brock Cook said.

Sophia Fox said the seating keeps her awake and clear-headed. When Abigail Davies first saw the yoga balls, she just wanted to bounce. “Now, it’s natural to sit on them. They help get rid of stress for tests.”