Help support Teacher Di Vece's Classroom

Over the past few years, I have noticed a trend in students needing movement breaks and focus skills being placed into my classroom. To address these needs, I have incorporated movement breaks, social thinking curriculum, a mindfulness time, and opportunities for my students to work outside. While I have found these interventions to have a positive impact on my teaching and my students’ attitudes towards their learning, there is pressure to cut these interventions to fit in the mandated curriculum. The thought of directing my students to sit all day long, and breaking only for a forty five minute recess and twenty minute lunch, did not sit well with me. Knowing the dangers and high rate of childhood obesity and a lack of engagement towards their work, I began to research the use of standing desks in traditional classroom settings. This intervention encourages movement while meeting the requirements of academics. As a school, we not only have a responsibility to our students to educate them, but we need to promote a healthy lifestyle. I strongly believe that teaching students that the only way to learn is by sitting and being quiet, is doing them a disservice and is not best practice. I have observed that many of my co-workers stand up during staff meetings and the principal continues on, how would they feel if the principal stopped the meeting and demanded they sit? We need to create a balance that challenges the sitting culture we have been chained to.

About my class

Over the past few years, I have noticed a trend in students needing movement breaks and focus skills being placed into my classroom. To address these needs, I have incorporated movement breaks, social thinking curriculum, a mindfulness time, and opportunities for my students to work outside. While I have found these interventions to have a positive impact on my teaching and my students’ attitudes towards their learning, there is pressure to cut these interventions to fit in the mandated curriculum. The thought of directing my students to sit all day long, and breaking only for a forty five minute recess and twenty minute lunch, did not sit well with me. Knowing the dangers and high rate of childhood obesity and a lack of engagement towards their work, I began to research the use of standing desks in traditional classroom settings. This intervention encourages movement while meeting the requirements of academics. As a school, we not only have a responsibility to our students to educate them, but we need to promote a healthy lifestyle. I strongly believe that teaching students that the only way to learn is by sitting and being quiet, is doing them a disservice and is not best practice. I have observed that many of my co-workers stand up during staff meetings and the principal continues on, how would they feel if the principal stopped the meeting and demanded they sit? We need to create a balance that challenges the sitting culture we have been chained to.

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Teacher Di Vece's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Teacher Di Vece's Classroom Edit display name

About my class

About my class

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Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.