I teach in a constantly changing neighborhood in the constantly evolving borough of Staten Island, NY. Over the years that I have been in my building, we have become a school with a very high English language learner population and conversation is KEY!
I truly believe that students can learn just as much (if not more) from each other than they can from me.
My students (both English language learners and English speaking) love to talk to each other. They absolutely love to share their strategies and their thoughts about their work. They take great pride and joy in reading their writing pieces to each other.
I make sure that every year my students leave with appropriate conversation techniques and the comfort to express their thoughts and opinions.
My Project
So what does a rug and furniture have to do with creating better conversationalists? Let's put this into an adult frame of mind . . .
Where are you most comfortable chatting?
Sitting around your living room or sitting at a desk? Hanging out in your kitchen or with your legs stuck under a table? Where ever it is, it's where you are most comfortable!
I plan to incorporate these new seating options in my classroom to encourage comfort and some change in routine. The kids are so used to "turning and talking" while either at their desks or on top of each other the rug, I'd like to give them some space. With the addition of the new rug with clear spots and new "home-like" furniture pieces, my students can spread out and feel more at ease. This will help to create more natural conversation!
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Tennenbaum and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
