Ms. Gaeckle’s Classroom Edit display name

About my class

Flexible seating in the classroom will allow students to choose their working environment to be comfortable and focused, especially during reading time. The students in my classroom have faced so many changes in their lives over the past few years due to the pandemic, but they deserve a classroom community where they can feel comfortable and safe as they grow and learn. This year, we are building this community together as we navigate our new normal. The students in my classroom have enjoyed being able to work where they choose while maintaining a safe distance from the other students. I find them working on the floor, under tables, and in various other locations in the room. Students have autonomy in their seating choice and some cushions and stools, but having more flexible seating options would excite and motivate my students in their learning, specifically reading, even more. The items I have requested such as wobble stools, a classroom library rug, and stretchy bands for chairs can help to give students this flexible seating environment and motivate them during reading time. I never want my students to feel discouraged or frustrated with their reading and I believe that these seating options will help to keep students calm, focused and motivated. I have also requested a double sided dry erase whiteboard easel so learning can take place in different areas of our classroom. A standard we work towards all year is LITERACY.3.RF.3.4 (Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension). Many of my students are English language learners and a majority of my class are struggling readers, so reading is a main focus in our classroom. Specifically, we spend time developing our reading stamina and practicing learned skills during independent reading time. During this time, students can practice the skills we learn using books of their choice. This is their favorite time to move around the classroom and find a comfortable and focused environment.