1. Alphabetter® DEsk

2. Kids are becoming more sedentary than ever

3. Why stand up?
Studies conducted by the National Education Association show that the brain operates best when the body is attentive and engaged. There is a direct correlation between student performance, ergonomics and physical activity. Active learning is better learning, and featuring ergonomically sound furniture in the classroom is essential, especially today with all of the added time students spend in sedentary positions.

4. What if students could potentially…
Learn more effectively
Improve their ability to focus
Channel their energy
Fidget without distracting others
Improve their circulation and blood flow to the brain which could increase concentration
Correct their posture
Feel empowered with the choice to sit or stand
(Patent Nos & )

5. What is the alphabetter®?
Height-adjustable, stand-up desk giving students the option to stand or sit
Silent, patented Swinging Pendulum™ Footrest Bar (Fidget Bar) allows students to move and keep active
Allows students to fidget, which may help burn excess energy and facilitate learning
Enables students freedom to move without distracting classroom activities or classmates

6. Potential benefits
May improve circulation and blood flow to the brain which could aid in increased concentration and focus
Ability to channel energy
May improve body posture
Students feel empowered with the choice to sit or stand
Students in school that no longer have physical education or recess may benefit from the additional activity
Possibility of burning more calories by standing and swinging the patented Swinging Pendulum™ Footrest Bar

7. University of Minnesota study
The University of Minnesota conducted a study of the physical benefits of the AlphaBetter® Desk in 2012
Conclusion:
“In this paper, we describe the energy expenditure associated with young adults while sitting versus standing. With this, we incorporated likely implications to children to positively affect the adolescent obesity epidemic. We found that by using a standing desk, caloric expenditure increased significantly. Using a standing desk may be a great way to increase physical activity in children.”
Source: Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2012, Difference in Caloric Expenditure in Sitting Versus Standing Desks, Christopher Reiff, Kara Marlatt, Donald R. Dengel

9. Global educator institute’s seal of endorsement
GEI helps identify the best-designed, most effective classroom products
To earn the seal of endorsement, products are subjected to classroom use and an in-depth rubric that evaluates effectiveness, durability, value and ease of use
AlphaBetter® was one of the first Mayline®—Safco® products to be endorsed by GEI
Since then, several products from the Active Collection have achieved this endorsement for helping to promote activity and create a better learning environment
Zenergy™ Ball Chair
Runtz™ Ball Chair
Twixt® Active Seating Chair

10. Alphabetter® in action
Students move around the classroom naturally to work on various projects and group work
They can only do one fidget at a time, resulting in less writing and scribbling on desks, etc.
Teachers like the improved focus they see from their students
Less stooping and bending to access books and supplies
The desks are sturdy, enabling them to hold up to many years of student use

11. Pam Seekel, retired fifth grade teacher at Somerset Middle School
Teacher feedback
“At a stand-up desk, I’ve never seen students with their heads down…ever. It helps with being awake if they can stand, it seems. And for me as a teacher, I can stand at their level to help them. I’m not bent over. I can’t think of one reason why a classroom teacher wouldn’t want these.”
Pam Seekel, retired fifth grade teacher at Somerset Middle School

12. Student letter
“At home when I do my homework I have to stand. Although I don’t have a standing station at my house, I use a dresser. It’s not as great as a standing station, but I get the opportunity to stand. I have also been more active. I have been able to spend time with my super-active brother and that means a lot to me. Thank you for giving me the best learning environment possible, Mrs. Brown.”
—Audrey

13. Added benefits Perfect for today’s shared classrooms
Height adjusts for use with different age groups, or can be adjusted to various heights within a classroom
Beneficial for any 3rd-12th grade classroom, from traditional science and social studies classes to industrial, art, music, media and life sciences courses

14. Features Silent, patented Swinging Pendulum™ Footrest Bar (Fidget Bar)
Footrest flips up out of the way for easy vacuuming access
Adjustable-height (26”h to 42”h) ideal for grades 3-12
Shelf for additional storage
Pencil groove on three sides
Book box option
Black powder coat finish for durability
28 x 20” or 36 x 24” top in Beige or Gray
Large work surfaces can facilitate group or individual work
Tops are chemical and impact resistant
Optional casters to easily reconfigure classrooms for today’s learning needs
(Patent Nos & )

16. Product overview
Standard Top: 5/8” thick PDF with Thermoplastic Laminate, Beige
Premium Top: 3/8” thick Phenolic, Gray
AlphaBetter™ Stool is also height-adjustable with a Black or Beige seat option

17. Product overview – seating

18. Grants & funding School funding available through multiple grants
Schools are taking advantage of these opportunities to renovate their classrooms

19. resources AlphaBetter Website Testimonials
GEI Case Studies and Endorsement
University of MN Study
Brochure
Sell Sheet
NBC Night News video
YouTube Videos:
Health
Obesity
ADHD
Focus