Yes, I have a trampoline in my classroom. Every time I show pictures or a short video of my classroom, I get questions about the trampoline in my classroom. I briefly mentioned the trampoline in my 5 Ways to Keep Students Engaged post.
In case you are curious, here is a short snippet of my classroom.
OKAY let’s get on with it…the trampoline.
ONE
I use the trampoline for a few different things: It makes for “another comfy place to read”. I like provide different areas for my kids to sit while working in a center or reading. My students often grab a clip board and go sit on the trampoline to work. Partners use it for a make-shift table when collaborating.
TWO
We have several sayings in our class that we say ALL.THE.TIME! One of our statements is “we believe in excellence.” When I see kids living up to that statement, they get to have 5 to 10 jumps on the trampoline depending on the circumstance. Worked extra hard in reading group….go get 10 jumps. Finally mastered a skill in math….go get 10 jumps. Attempted the challenge problem in math…go get 10 jumps. Writing a longer story than what I asked…go get 10 jumps. Caring for a friend when no one else did…go get 10 jumps.
It creates an environment of excitement and praise. It truly is a reward and kids beam with pride when they finally get to jump. I don’t take the decision lightly. In fact, the trampoline was in our room for a whole 2 weeks before ANYONE got to jump. I told them they had to earn their jumps and I made sure I set the bar HIGH for the first one. 😉
THREE
I actually use the trampoline while I am teaching. Sometimes I sit on it during carpet time or small group lessons. It is comfy! hah! However, I use it in class when we chant and dance in math. If at any moment I think that my kids are zoning out on me…I go jump. Believe me, watching their dear old teacher jumping on a trampoline GETS THEIR ATTENTION.
The trampoline is definitely the talk on our hall. And my kids are so proud to have it in their classroom. I would highly recommend getting one for your classroom. It is a great way to keep your kids engaged and create a motivating environment in your classroom. They are relatively cheap on Amazon.
If you have any questions, please leave me a comment and I will get back to you!
What are your rules and expectations if kids jump when they are not allowed
Bonnie–I saw the trampoline on the KdgSmorgasboard with a shout out to you. Looking at your trampoline, did you just not put the cover around the edges like Greg at KdgSmorgasboard did? Is yours the same brand? I’m nervous about using a trampoline, but have always been the teacher who does that little bit outside the box. I like that these don’t have springs like the old trampolines. Anything else you can share? I’d appreciate it. Thanks.
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I stumbled upon your trampoline blog post by following Greg Smedley, and I absolutely love this idea! I have been reading through some of your other posts, as well, and you have some brilliant things going on in your classroom! LOVE it! I was wondering how you got the trampoline approved by your administration. I need to know! I would love to hear any tips or advice you could offer, because I am in love with this idea! Thank you!
Loved this idea so much I tried it out the first week of school! We have used our classroom set of “stability balls” for the past few years with fantastic results.. The mini-trampoline is just one more item in my bag of tricks!
I teach 5th and we use yoga balls or ‘balance balls’ as chairs – I’ve got 4 and we rotate. They soon learn that they are balance balls not bouncy balls. I want a trampoline! Great idea.
Do you teach special ed class? Because uou only have 13 chairs and desks, and this trampoline of a kid gets hurt is a major lawsuit in NYC publix schools.
Where do you teach?
I am curious how many kids yoy have in your class?? I count 13…unless kids sit at the horseshoe table. I love the idea of the trampoline, but not sure how it would work (or where i would put it!) in my class of 28-30 second graders.
I love your post and your approach to your kids’ needs! Do you know there is a trampoline that has a bar students can hold on to? I just don’t want you to have a lawsuit!!
Anyone using for the older grades (Year 4+)?
Your Classroom is beautiful and spacious too. Very organized as well. We have trampolines at our school for Special needs and they are wonderful. If you have any other incentives to share with us it would be very much appreciated. Thank you and email me anytime. Thank you!
A parent donated one after I shared your post. We discussed safety and how we would use the trampoline. When the students completed their assignment they are able to jump 5 times, if front and back they would like to jump 10 times.
We also do math add/sub facts. They jump and when they get it wrong they get off and the next one hops on. They love love it ! ( sight words too) 1st grade
Love this! I feel like my admin won’t approve because someone could get hurt and it’s a liability issue, which I disagree with. Did you have any opposition like that?
I use a set of bicycle pedals in my room for this sort of thing or just to allow those extremely “busy” students to work off some energy. They are great! I’m going to order a trampoline today and add it to my possibilities.
I attended a workshop where the speaker had us jump off a mini trampoline as we did hand motions and sounded out word cards. I am going to add one to my classroom thank you for your inspiration.
Some schools around here are using the big yoga type balls instead of chairs. They work well to take in hallway to work off some steam too!
What a fun idea – and a great way to incorporate more movement into the school day!