Collaborative Learning through Comfortable Seating Options
My students need flexible seating options through the use of a circular table, stools, and cushions. These items will allow for collaborative opportunities. When students are comfortable in their environment, student engagement in learning is heightened.
Fourth graders are truly amazing. I work with thirty-one students who, despite their differences and unique personal challenges, come to school every day eager to grow in their learning and to perform to the best of their abilities. They ask deep thinking questions, show creativity in their ability to problem solve, and crave situations in which they can work with their peers completing hands-on activities. I work in a title one building where many students participate in a free or reduced-cost lunch, and many come from single parent or grandparent support systems.
In my classroom, I view my role as the teacher as a facilitator in student learning.
In this way, students are leaders in their education. They control the direction of the lesson, add to discussions, and keep track of their own learning goals. Students also act as part of a classroom community, building strong teamwork skills and learning acceptance. They celebrate each other in their strengths and support peers in their learning hurdles. Collaborative learning is key, as they take on the role of the "teacher" with their classmates as needed.
My Project
Learners are more engaged when they are able to feel relaxed in where they are seated. Currently, my classroom consists of identical student desks and chairs. While desks can be arranged to allow for some collaborative learning to occur, it isn't uncommon for students to be filled with wiggles and jiggles from such structured seating. Because of the lack of seating options in my classroom, there are times you will find students standing behind their desk, laying under their desk, or kneeling using a chair as their tablespace. These options are used as methods to motivate students throughout the long school day.
Flexible seating within the classroom offers students the opportunity to maximize learning time while also being comfortable while doing so.
When students are seated in a space they can settle into, students are able to not only complete their work, but the quality of their work improves as well. These items will help provide these necessary workspaces. The risers will help to meet the needs of my kiddos who love to stand, while the low rise table and cushions will offer a change of scenery for students who need a break from sitting up straight at their desks. The ottoman stools will give students a chance to switch out their chairs for something slightly more comfortable.
Knowing the importance of comfort as a connection to student engagement, I know these items will truly benefit the learning which takes place within my classroom.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Meinecke and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
