Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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Our world caters to the fast-paced life style we have become accustomed to living. Children have video games (on TV and hand-held devices) that keep them occupied for hours upon end. Long gone are the days of going outside to play just because it’s a pretty day.
Even though the body may not get the needed exercise, the mind seems to always be filled with action from outside stimuli. Because of this, students are edgy and easily distracted when the classroom doesn’t have the same intense level of activity.
This year I have been able to witness the benefit of alternative seating in my own classroom with a pedal desk. All students request to have a “turn” at the desk. It has made me realize a couple of things: 1) Just because a child doesn’t “fidget” doesn’t mean he/she would not appreciate or benefit from alternative seating. 2) It really works! As the child is pedaling, his mind is focusing on his classwork.
I have also concluded that one desk isn’t nearly enough to meet the needs of my third-grade students. Every child should feel successful, and to some, that is simply being able to focus on what is going on throughout the day. It is my job for every child to know they are loved, important, belong, and can accomplish anything!
About my class
Our world caters to the fast-paced life style we have become accustomed to living. Children have video games (on TV and hand-held devices) that keep them occupied for hours upon end. Long gone are the days of going outside to play just because it’s a pretty day.
Even though the body may not get the needed exercise, the mind seems to always be filled with action from outside stimuli. Because of this, students are edgy and easily distracted when the classroom doesn’t have the same intense level of activity.
This year I have been able to witness the benefit of alternative seating in my own classroom with a pedal desk. All students request to have a “turn” at the desk. It has made me realize a couple of things: 1) Just because a child doesn’t “fidget” doesn’t mean he/she would not appreciate or benefit from alternative seating. 2) It really works! As the child is pedaling, his mind is focusing on his classwork.
I have also concluded that one desk isn’t nearly enough to meet the needs of my third-grade students. Every child should feel successful, and to some, that is simply being able to focus on what is going on throughout the day. It is my job for every child to know they are loved, important, belong, and can accomplish anything!