For other uses, see Rocking Chair (disambiguation). A Thonet rocking chair A b or b is a type of chair with two curved bands (also known as rockers) attached to the bottom of the legs, connecting the legs on each side to each other. The rockers contact the floor at only two points, giving the occupant the ability to rock back and forth by shifting their weight or pushing lightly with their feet. [1] [2] Rocking chairs are most commonly made of wood. Some rocking chairs can fold. The word rocking chair comes from the verb to rock. [3] The first known use of the term rocking chair was in 1766. A rocking chair designed by Swedish painter and furniture designer, Karin Bergöö Larsson Rocking chairs are often seen as synonymous with parenting, as the gentle rocking motion can soothe infants. Many adults find rocking chairs soothing because of the gentle motion. Gentle rocking motion has been shown to provide faster onset of sleep than remaining stationary, mimicking the process of a parent rocking a child to sleep.

Rocking chairs are also comfortable because, when a user sits in one without rocking, the chair automatically rocks backward until the sitter's center of gravity is met, thus granting an ergonomic benefit with the occupant kept at an un-stressed position and angle. Varieties of rockers include those mounted on a spring base (or platform) called "platform rockers" and those with swinging braces commonly known as gliders. A photo of man lounging in a rocking chair while reading Though American inventor Benjamin Franklin is sometimes credited with inventing the rocking chair, historians actually trace the rocking chair's origins to North America during the early 18th century, when Franklin was a child. Originally used in gardens, they were simply ordinary chairs with rockers attached. It was in 1725 that early rocking chairs first appeared in England. The production of wicker rocking chairs reached its peak in America during the middle of the 18th century. These wicker rockers, as they were popularly known, were famous for their craftsmanship and creative designs.

Michael Thonet, a German craftsman, created the first bentwood rocking chair in 1860. [8] This design is distinguished by its graceful shape and its light weight. These rocking chairs were influenced by Greek and Roman designs as well as Renaissance and colonial era artistry. During the 1920s, however, folding rocking chairs became more popular in the United States and in Europe. They were handy for outdoor activities and travel purposes. By the 1950s, rocking chairs built by Sam Maloof, an American craftsman, became famous for their durability and deluxe appearance. Maloof's rocking chairs are distinguished by their ski-shaped rockers. President John F. Kennedy made the P & P Chair Company's rocking chair famous. In 1955, Kennedy, who suffered with chronic back problems, was prescribed swimming and the use of a rocking chair by his physician. The President so enjoyed the rocker that, after he was inaugurated in 1961, he took the chair on Air Force One when he traveled around the country and the world.

He bought additional rockers for Camp David and for the Kennedy estates; and he gave them as gifts to friends, family, and heads of state. Kennedy's rocking chair from the White House is on permanent display at the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum. Per the manufacturing design, the Kennedy Rocking Chair is shaped, steam-bent, and assembled while the wood is still "green." Media related to Rocking chairs at Wikimedia CommonsMany children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are in constant motion. office chair parts seat plate base replacementIn school, they squirm in their seats, jiggle their feet, tap their pencils, and talk incessantly. cheap danish lounge chairsThey might even get up and roam around the classroom. ikea office chair wheels

One recent study of boys with ADHD found they moved about the room eight times as often as other boys, and made twice as many arm motions. Hyperactive behavior isn’t a choice, but an expression of a brain-based biological disorder. Hyperactive children also have problems with impulse control — among other things, they can’t resist the impulse to move. You can tell them to sit still or stop fidgeting or talking, but within minutes they’ll be at it again.chair cover rentals chicago il The best way to help hyperactive children? bean bag chairs japanChannel excess energy into constructive activities, or provide ample opportunities for kids to burn it off.wedding chair covers walmart Solutions in the Classroomwalnut dining chairs ebay

Keep in mind that a child with ADHD may lag in social maturity. Even if he’s on target academically, think of him as being two years younger than his classmates — and work with him accordingly. Build in movement throughout the school day. In kindergarten and first grade, get the whole class stretching, jogging in place, and singing songs accompanied by hand and body motions. With older students, create opportunities for students with ADHD to move around. pedicure spa chair saleHave them hand out supplies, collect papers, and deliver messages to the school office. walnut dining chairs ebayResponsibilities like these help kids feel special while allowing them to blow off steam. Alternate high- and low-energy lessons. Follow a spirited music class with a period of creative writing. Schedule a subject that requires great concentration — such as math — after recess or physical education.

Provide alternatives to the standard classroom seat. Some children do better work if they’re allowed to move while doing their lessons; not having to focus on keeping still frees up energy for learning. Have them stand at raised tables at the back of the classroom, or allow them to pace quietly while thinking through a problem. During literature or free reading, let students sit on pillows, in armchairs, or on the floor. Recognize the breaking point. Even if you’ve provided ample downtime between lessons, some children with ADHD can be still for only a short time. If you sense that a student is reaching his limit, let him get up to stretch his legs — even in the middle of a test. Acknowledge your child’s need to move. Allow her to take a quick break from the dinner table to get rid of surplus energy — and to rejoin the family when she’s able. Use the same strategy at sporting events, religious services, and other settings that require kids to sit still for extended periods.

Encourage physical activity before school. Have your child take the dog for an early morning run or ride her bike to school. Jumping rope or bouncing a ball provides a great energy release. Get a rocking chair — the rhythm can be calming. Place it in a quiet spot where your child can sit to read. THE WIGGLE METHOD: “I had one of my students with ADHD sit on an exercise ball during class. He could wiggle back and forth without standing up, and, for the first time, he was able to complete his work consistently. Now I have three or four students sitting on balls!” -Martha Highfill, third-grade teacher, Oxnard, California FIDGETING BRINGS FOCUS: “My middle-school son fidgets in order to focus. At first, his teachers didn’t understand how fidgeting could be helpful, and it was hard to find ways for him to keep his hands busy without bothering classmates. Doodling, bendable pencils, origami — and educating the teachers.” –Kris, Grand Island, Nebraska