My students need a variety of flexible seating options in order to optimize their learning, increase engagement, and work collaboratively with their peers.
My amazing fourth graders are energetic, LOVE to learn, and have different ways they learn best. Our school is lucky to have a diverse cultural population with a variety of income levels. My students enjoy hands-on activities where they can be an active participant in their learning and work collaboratively with their peers. Many students like to fidget or move while they work and regular chairs don't allow them to do that. Our classroom is student-centered and students have many opportunities to choose and guide their learning on a daily basis. Our school has embodied the principles of the Leader in Me program by Stephen Covey. Our school focuses on empowering our students to be leaders in their own educational journey.
My goal is to provide my students with a variety of seating options to enhance their learning.
My Project
A child's learning environment has a direct impact on their achievement. Last year I added a few different seating options and would love to expand the choices this year. The wobble chairs will allow students to get their wiggles out and move freely while learning. They can strengthen core muscles and the rocking motion can be calming and organizing for the brain.
The floor pillows and bean bag chairs will provide additional comfortable seating options.
The stools are lightweight and can be moved around the room to allow students to work collaboratively. Students will have a variety of seating options and have the opportunity to try different seating options, reflect on their learning, and determine which seat will help them learn best. Many of these seating options can be easily moved around the classroom which can allow students to quickly and easily pair up, work in small groups, or discuss as a whole class without moving heavy desks.
Students feel empowered when they have some control and degree of choice over their learning environment. Flexible seating allows them to wobble, rock, bounce, lean, or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow, and core strength. Physical activity can result in higher academic performance, better health, and improved behavior. If students are uncomfortable, they tend to be distracted and less productive. We spend a great deal of time learning and growing together, and I want our classroom to be a place where students feel comfortable and valued.
I have already observed how choice and autonomy have positively impacted my students in the classroom. These flexible seating options would allow me to provide them with more choices, and I'm excited to see my classroom continue to transform!
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