ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses ‘good’ sitting, and considers how children develop control of their posture, enabling them to sit independently for longer periods and to think about how one can modify the classroom and school environment to provide comfortable, functional seating for all children, as their bodies develop. Alongside advocating for comfortable seating to be available, one also wants to avoid prolonged bouts of sitting by creating opportunities for movement throughout the day. The chapter provides information about: development of postural control in young children; how a child’s sitting position influences attention and learning; classroom strategies that can promote ‘good’ sitting in class; and ideas about how to change the classroom environment to promote children’s comfort and wellbeing when seated. Involving children in decisions about the layout of their classroom can increase their involvement and motivation and provide one with useful feedback. Some teachers may be concerned about loss of authority if they allow children choices about where they sit.
