Fifth grade is rigorous. Students are learning to focus for longer periods of time and apply thinking skills during that time. By the end of the year, they will have learned not only how to multiply and divide fractions and decimals; my hope is that they will gain self-regulation skills, too.
This year has started out so well.
I have a great group of thoughtful young people in my fifth-grade class. They have had lots of training over the past five years at my school as far as learning how to focus, think deeply, and discuss that thinking with their peers. Students discourse is a central skill that touches all subjects, and reaches beyond school.
Some students have more difficulty focusing. Some have a need to fidget and wiggle. This is a different need than some students, but doesn't reflect on their ability to learn. It's just the way they process; they just need room to be who they are.
My Project
I am asking for four Gel-E Seats. I have seen wiggle seats work for students in other classrooms. First, it gives those wigglers an outlet while they think. I think it's also important that it can confirm for a child that the way they are wired is okay; if they need to wiggle, then let them, if it helps. I envision a few of my kiddos being able to wiggle their way through math practice and during writing time.
Being able to be themselves while still being able to focus and learn will change the outcomes for these students.
Rather than being repeatedly told to "sit down, stop moving," they will be able to move and learn at the same time. Not only will they be able to learn math and write, they will get the message that the way they are is okay.
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