The right — and surprisingly wrong — ways to get kids to sit still in class.
In order to create actual changes to the sensory system that results in improved attention over time, children NEED to experience what we call “rapid vestibular (balance) input” on a daily basis. In other words, they need to go upside down, spin in circles, and roll down hills. They need authentic play experiences that get them moving in all different directions in order to stimulate the little hair cells found in the vestibular complex (located in the inner ear). If children do this on a regular basis and for a significant amount of time, then (and only then) will they experience the necessary changes needed to effectively develop the balance system–leading to better attention and learning in the classroom.
In other words, adjusting children’s seating and taking quick one-minute movement breaks will offer some support — but we will continue to see significant sensory and behavioral problems, as well as a decline in children’s overall health (i.e., rise in obesity, decrease strength, and poor body awareness) if we don’t start allowing for adequate time in which children can get up and out of their seats to move.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2014/10/07/the-right-and-surprisingly-wrong-ways-to-get-kids-to-sit-still-in-class/
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We used to walk to school.... I'm sure that burned up a lot of excess energy, too! Kids don't even walk to the school bus anymore. I see the bus stop at every driveway while the children wait in a car with a parent. 
I liked the idea of children needing to spin, roll, etc. Schools no longer have swings or monkey bars because of liabilities. We should just wrap them all in bubble wrap, I guess!
Yes, I advocate pushing kids into traffic. 
