Our fourth grade classroom is always buzzing with learning. My students learn a traditional curriculum in a flexible learning environment. They have desks as a place where they can keep their things, but choose where they like to work around the room. My students work among friends and share their thinking with one another.
My fourth graders embrace a growth mindset, identifying mistakes and learning from them.
My students are not embarrassed about their mistakes, but instead, volunteer to share them. Through collaboration, my students have learned that sharing their mistakes can help other kids learn, too. We all work together to build a better understanding of any content or topic.
My Project
Flexible seating helps to create a comfortable learning environment. During most work times, my students can choose a location, other than their desks, where they want to learn. My students like to come sit on the carpet in the front of the room during whole group lessons, but when they are working in smaller groups, partners, or independently, they chose various locations in the room. The classroom library is always a hit, as is any open floor space. My students also like to cluster around a desk or work table.
My students are more engaged in learning activities when they choose where they work.
I have some yoga ball chairs that were donated to our classroom, and the students love using them throughout the day. My students also lay blankets out on the tile floor to create a cozier learning space. They would greatly benefit from the wobble chairs, not only for movement but also for clustering around a small work space. My students will be more engaged in learning when sitting on a cushion, or from the comfort of a beanbag chair. Giving my students more seating choices in our classroom will motivate them to happily engage in learning!
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