My thirty-two sixth grade students are embracing their role as leaders of our school with pride, excitement, and a great sense of responsibility. As the oldest grade, they take on the responsibility of being the 'big kids'. This group of students has already taken on that responsibility at full speed. They are great 'buddies' to the younger students and are taking advantage of every opportunity to set an example.
During our first week brainstorm for our dream classroom and dream school year, students talked about wanting a friendly, safe, warm, comfortable work space.
They expressed the desire to have a space the reflected the community they wanted to create. We have several flexible seating options in the classroom and the number one request from students was for more flexible seating options. The feeling is that it makes them calmer for learning and better able to collaborate.
These thoughtful students want so badly to collaborate and be successful. We are working together to make their dream classroom a reality.
My Project
My students love to 'work around the room'. One of their favorite chairs is our Bunjo chair, but our bean bag and camp style folding chairs are also very popular. When I asked them why they preferred to work around the room instead of at their desks, they told me they felt more productive, relaxed yet focused, and better able to collaborate and problem solve.
Students enjoy the freedom of working around the room during flexible seating time but I also notice the effect it has on their thinking.
They tend to be more open and less constricted in the way they approach to learning. They take ownership of the environment they are working in, and soon they take ownership of their learning.
I have noticed students problem solve and in fact think more flexibly when they have access to flexible seating. Bunjo chairs benefit all students, but especially those with anxiety. Beanbag type pillows and seats allow students to fidget a bit without losing focus on their work, and stools allow students to work at our counters together instead of at their individual desks. Maybe what my students are most excited about is the Balance Ball chairs. We have a few of these chairs in our resource room and school calm down space; students love them.
These options are the flexible seating options that were at the top of my sixth graders wishlist. Students will use our flexible seating options during literacy and math partner and small group work, as well as during writing workshop and independent reading.
Gaiam Classic Backless Balance Ball Chair – Exercise Stability Yoga Ball Premium Ergonomic Chair for Home and Office Desk with Air Pump, Exercise Guide and Satisfaction Guarantee, Wasabi
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