ERIC Number: EJ1098182
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2014
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1083-6470
EISSN: N/A
The Effect of Therapy Balls on the Classroom Behavior and Learning of Children with Dyslexia
Goodmon, Leilani B.; Leverett, Raven; Royer, Amanda; Hillard, Gracia; Tedder, Tracey; Rakes, Lori
Journal of Research in Education, v24 n2 p124-145 Fall-Win 2014
The purpose of this study was to determine if the behavioral and learning benefit found from the use of therapy balls as classroom seats in children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (e.g., Schilling, Washington, Billingsley, & Deitz, 2003) generalizes to children with dyslexia who suffer from similar attention problems as children with ADHD (e.g., Germano, Gagliano, & Curatolo, 2010). We found a positive impact of therapy balls on behavior from the independent observers' and teachers' perspectives in two classes. Although there was no significant improvement in reading comprehension or in student self-reports of behavior, most students indicated an improvement in attention and motivation and a preference for their continued use. Results are discussed in terms the importance of evaluating the individual needs of the students when determining whether the therapy balls should be used as a sensory modulation technique in the classroom.
Descriptors: Children, Dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Therapy, Student Behavior, Elementary School Students, Grade 5, Human Factors Engineering, Reading Comprehension, Behavior Change, Student Motivation, Preferences, Use Studies, Behavior Modification, Pretests Posttests, Experimental Groups, Control Groups, Classroom Techniques, Statistical Analysis, Comparative Analysis, Attention Control, Psychomotor Skills, Perceptual Motor Coordination, Likert Scales, Questionnaires
Eastern Educational Research Association. George Watson, Marshall University, One John Marshall Drive, College of Education and Professional Development, Huntington, WV 25755. e-mail: eerajournal@gmail.com; Web site: http://www.eeraorganization.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Grade 5; Intermediate Grades; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A