Help me give my students flexible seating. The products I have selected will help my students make more effective learning choices. The wobble stools will allow students to sit at tables but will allow some much needed movement.
Fourth Grade students are simply fabulous! They are excited to learn about the world around them, are fiercely independent, and love to socialize and work together towards a common goal. In fourth grade we study the state of Washington, Lewis and Clark, Electricity and magnetism and of course those oh so challenging math concepts like long division and multiplying large numbers.
As an educator of 20 plus years experience I have seen many trends and changes in education, but one constant is that kids are still kids, and they find so much joy in learning.
However, one trend that I have noticed is that children have much more anxiety and stress. High stakes testing, structured free time and busy working parents all take their toll on young children.
Some of my students come from affluent backgrounds, but not all. Many of my students are mastering English as their second or third language while others are mastering Common Core Math and ELA standards in preparation for our testing throughout the year including the SBAC national test. Most importantly my students are compassionate, hardworking and driven to succeed each and every day.
My Project
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them. During independent learning time, they choose a location that works for them. I envision my students choosing to work in a variety of locations in our small portable such as different tables, sitting with clipboards on the carpet space, or varied chair options at desks and tables. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. Imagine just sitting at one desk all day long to do your work? It is amazing the difference choice makes in motivation young learners. Students are more engaged and less disruptive of peers when they are given a choice of where to work.
Research shows how seating choice can positively affect students' work and demeanor in the classroom.
I feel that the addition of this varied seating will have a positive effect on my classroom.
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