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Mrs. Goolsby’s Classroom Edit display name

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As a teacher, I am constantly searching for strategies to improve student engagement and motivation for learning. As I am constantly perusing Pinterest to scavenge ideas from other teachers, I continued to see classrooms transformed with alternative seating. I saw classrooms with low tables with stability pods, standing desks, stability yoga balls, stools, in addition to traditional seating options all in one classroom. Our schools follow the high pace our world follows, so our students struggle with attention and engagement. Reflecting on the positive transformations I saw, I wanted to try it. Over the summer, I decided to just try a small step. I used some classroom money given to me at the end of the school year to purchase five stability balls that could be used with desks, small group tables, or for independent reading. The reaction from students at the beginning of the school year was amazing. One thing, students were excited about entering our classroom. Reactions like, "Wow!! Yoga balls." I felt like we had already conquered one battle - students were excited to learn and they wanted to be at school. If they want to be in my classroom, I can teach them anything! As we settled into our routine, I quickly realized that I need more than just these five balls. I had one student with specific learning needs of frequent breaks and redirection. She receives a stability ball daily. The other students rotate turns utilizing the balls daily. The addition of wobble stools and 10 more yoga balls would provide flexible seating options for 100% of our class. I want the "Starbucks" approach - people are happy, engaged in their work, and relaxed. I want that for our classroom! Alternative seating will help provide that atmosphere for us.

About my class

As a teacher, I am constantly searching for strategies to improve student engagement and motivation for learning. As I am constantly perusing Pinterest to scavenge ideas from other teachers, I continued to see classrooms transformed with alternative seating. I saw classrooms with low tables with stability pods, standing desks, stability yoga balls, stools, in addition to traditional seating options all in one classroom. Our schools follow the high pace our world follows, so our students struggle with attention and engagement. Reflecting on the positive transformations I saw, I wanted to try it. Over the summer, I decided to just try a small step. I used some classroom money given to me at the end of the school year to purchase five stability balls that could be used with desks, small group tables, or for independent reading. The reaction from students at the beginning of the school year was amazing. One thing, students were excited about entering our classroom. Reactions like, "Wow!! Yoga balls." I felt like we had already conquered one battle - students were excited to learn and they wanted to be at school. If they want to be in my classroom, I can teach them anything! As we settled into our routine, I quickly realized that I need more than just these five balls. I had one student with specific learning needs of frequent breaks and redirection. She receives a stability ball daily. The other students rotate turns utilizing the balls daily. The addition of wobble stools and 10 more yoga balls would provide flexible seating options for 100% of our class. I want the "Starbucks" approach - people are happy, engaged in their work, and relaxed. I want that for our classroom! Alternative seating will help provide that atmosphere for us.

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