I teach in a rural school and this is our first year having a device available for every student. Middle school students are full of energy anyway, but when you add a lot of time spent on computers daily, I believe their energy level intensifies.
Education is constantly changing and children today do not learn in the same way they used to.
With that in mind, I am hoping to incorporate flexible seating into my classroom. I have found over the years that some students work better standing, some work better lying down, and hardly any work best sitting in rows of desks. I am anxious to offer my students choices in their learning environment!
My Project
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them. During independent work times, they choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently, my students are choosing to work in a variety of locations in our room such as: at different tables, sitting under tables with clipboards, or sitting or lying on the floor with a clipboard. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. I have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating.
My students are noticeably more engaged in their work and less disruptive of their peers when they are given a choice of where to work.
The products that I have selected will help my students by giving them additional seating options to make more effective learning choices. The round stool and ball chairs will allow some movement, while not distracting others. These will be extremely beneficial for some students that just need to get the wiggles out. The laptop caddy will allow the student who prefers sitting on the floor a writing surface. The standing desks are a popular option, currently, my students use podiums or the Chromebook cart as their version of a standing desk. The beanbag chair will allow for additional comfortable floor seating options. They are lightweight and can be easily used in many areas of the classroom.
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