My students are bright, caring and worthy of having the best educational experience just as every other student in our country. They are exceptional 10-12 year old kiddos that come from a lower income Title 1 school in Titusville, Florida.
With technology being the forefront of our everyday lives, instant gratification is in high priority to our students.
Being on cell phones, and playing video games has caused many students to develop attention deficit problems, which causes them to have a hard time to focusing on academics and sitting and listening.for a stretch of time. This has caused a need for my students to wiggle in their chairs and stand at their desks in my classroom.
Flexible seating (also known as alternative learning) actively brings students into the classroom-design discussion. It lets them identify the kinds of furniture, such as chairs, stools, rockers, etc., that 1.) they find most comfortable, and 2.) gets them motivated to learn. This promotes student creativity and collaboration.
In a classroom with flexible-seating there are various types of seating spread throughout the room.
They vary in shape, height, material and motion, and will include a few traditional choices, as well. Typically, students decide their spot on a rotation basis. Clearly posted classroom rules help keep students on track of who has what type of seating.
There is a growing list of physical, emotional and academic benefits for students in a flexible-seating classroom.
Choice: Students learn best when they have some control over their environment.
Community: Students learn to take turns and share supplies.
Collaboration: Students can easily pair up or work in groups.
Movement: Students can sit, kneel, wiggle, lean, roll, etc., and release excess energy, while building core strength.
Comfort: Comfortable students are more relaxed and more focused.
Sensory Input: Many flexible seating options stimulate students’ sense of touch.
Motivation: Students are motivated to earn and keep their favorite spots.
I have chosen the Gaiam Kids Balance Ball Chair - Classic Children's Stability Ball Chair, Child Classroom Desk Seating for may classroom because it allows students to wiggle at their seat with the stability of a base to look like a chair. I would also like the "Wobble Chair" in my classroom. This chair looks like a traditional stool but allows movement for the students along with creating good posture and strengthening their core. I believe that creating a classroom that allows choice of seating and movement will encourage student learning and productivity in both my Math and Science classes.
