My students need to find several different ways to move throughout the day. While seated, wobble chairs encourage balance to strengthen the core and much-needed controlled movement to get the wiggles out!
Every day, my first grade students enter our classroom with a high level of eagerness to learn and an exceptional willingness to take risks. Our loving and caring classroom environment is filled with students who are not only quick to applaud each other's efforts but also quick to provide support when others are struggling. My students are very unique because they learn in an open-classroom environment! The absent walls help foster a strong sense of community between all of the children in our grade.
My students are six and seven years old so they have very active minds and bodies.
Walk into my classroom at any point of the day and there is never silence nor is there ever chaos. There is always a gentle, but exciting "hum" among the children that are engaged in a variety of activities that push them to interact, explore, and to be curious.
My Project
There is not a day that goes by that I don't hear my students say, "Why can't I sit in something more comfortable?" or "I don't like these chairs!" I don't really know what else I can say to them except, "I will try my best to get better seating. Maybe one day..." As their teacher, I need to hear what they are saying, validate how they are feeling, and do everything I can to give them what they keep asking for! What are they asking for? More seating options! My first graders learn and accomplish a lot in a year. In order for optimal learning to occur, my students need to feel good, both mentally and physically. Long periods of inactivity could negatively impact their physical health. They must be given ample opportunities to move a lot throughout the day.
Sitting still in a chair or on the floor for long periods of time is very uncomfortable for first graders.
When students get the option to sit in wobble chairs that allow just enough movement while remaining seated, their best learning can and will occur. The wobble chairs also encourages students to exercise their skills in balance allowing them to strengthen their core and improve their posture. When my students are able to move the amount their growing bodies require, they will be a lot healthier. If they feel good, they can use their energy for learning.
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