Help me give my students a nice place to sit where they all have their own space and are not crowded. They will all be able to participate in a closer proximity to what I am demonstrating.
I have very inquisitive students who are so excited and eager to learn. I have a diverse classroom. Half of my students come from low income families and about 5% are trying to learn English as a second language. I have a mixture of about 25% minorities. I want to build a feeling of acceptance and community in my classroom while still having enough personal space for my students to feel comfortable. A rug makes it possible for each student to have a feeling of security as they have their own "spot" yet are still close enough to the other students to engage in meaningful discussions and in developing skills to collaborate effectively. Being closer to the teacher also promotes learning as they are more involved and able to observe and participate more.
My Project
A classroom rug for the students to gather at provides for more authentic and hands on learning activities. Students become active participants in the learning by sitting at a rug. This type of seating allows the students to be up close and personal in observing and participating in the lesson. It also encourages more student involvement and interaction with me as the teacher as well as with other students.
Because of the diversity in my classroom it is important for me to create a room of mutual respect, collaboration, and community.
A rug would provide a common area where the students feel a sense of classroom community as they talk with and learn one another. They are all on the same level, physically, which promotes a sense of equality. This is less threatening or intimidating for them as they view each other as equals.
A rug also helps students know where their own specific spot is to sit at and promotes healthy personal space boundaries. Children learn to respect each other's space and keep their bodies in their own space. This helps eliminate arguing whenever they are looking for a spot to sit at. Young children need structure, consistency, and predictability to feel more relaxed and secure, especially in a setting that can become uncertain and overwhelming.
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