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By JOYANNA LOVE/Senior Staff Writer

Maplesville High School’s sensory room is getting some new equipment thanks to $412 from the Chilton Education Foundation.

Teacher Brittany Yeargan wrote the grant application to purchase a Jungle JumpaRoo for the room.

“The Jungle JumpaRoo is basically an extra-large inner tube that is supported by bars that are six feet tall,” Yeargan said.

These vertical poles allow students to hold on while they bounce on the inner tube.

“Research shows … 10 minutes on a trampoline is equivalent to 33 minutes of running,” Yeargan said.

She said this would help students “who are overstimulated in the classroom and just need to take a break.”

A mini trampoline is used in the room now but is only big enough for one student at a time. The Jungle JumpaRoo is large enough that multiple students can use the device at the same time.

“It is a safe way for kids to enjoy a little bouncing time,” Yeargan said.

The equipment has been delivered and should be in place soon.

“Not only is this a way for children to be able to control movement, it also increases blood circulation, and that in turn ensures that oxygen is being pumped throughout the body and the brain, which helps students to feel healthier and more alert,” Yeargan said.

Bouncing has been shown to “have a positive impact for children with autism” and other students with sensitive sensory input, she said.

Yeargan originally saw the Jungle JumpaRoo on the TV show “Shark Tank.”