My students need the ability to have flexible seating. My classroom is on the smaller side with no windows, so these options, I believe, will strengthen student engagement.
I teach 2 very distinct and different groups of students, sophomores and seniors. Sophomores are trying to understand how to still navigate through high school and academia. I also have the privilege to teach sheltered sophomores, who are mostly ELL's. So there is the added hurtle of language to tackle. They will fail, but they will get to know skills, in order to help them move past these obstacles.
Seniors, on the other hand, are now being tested on how to handle their critical thinking skills to tackle the real world and responsibility.
I believe my job is to provide real world experiences, when it comes to Government and especially with Economics, so that they understand that things may be difficult but not impossible to manage. As I tell seniors, I believe one of my jobs is to provide a safe space to allow you to fail, if you do and then guide you on solutions for the next time because in the real world, there will be a next time.
My goal with both groups is to provide a safe space, not only mentally, academically but also physically!
My Project
I already have a few options for alternative seating in my class which helped some of my more squirrely students, stay focused, to stay on task. I received more requests for alternatives, that I had to start a sign up list for each of the items. I think by providing more options, students will stay engaged if they are provided these options. More students seem to respond to this kinesthetic arrangement. It would be nice to have more in my class. My goal is to have various options around the class and not just the standard desk and chair that is provided by the school district. This will not only, allow students to have a more open learning environment, but it will also help them to understand their needs when it comes to learning spaces. I believe both sophomores and seniors in my classes will benefit from these arrangements.
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