Too often, we use the word "resilient" to describe our students. When we learn of the circumstances our students face at home, we jump to use resiliency as a way to describe their ability to show up and overcome their situations and attain academic success.
I'm not sure about everyone else, but I don't think "resilient" shouldn't be the first word that comes to mind when we think of ways to describe our students!
Dreamers, creators, free-thinkers, go-getters....these are choice words that allow our students to be separated from their circumstance, rather than chained to it. When the world looks at my students, I want them to see students with hope for a bright future, regardless of the zip code they were born into.
We all have a story, but that story does not have to define us or speak for us before we have an opportunity to show who we are and what we are capable of. This applies to students, too! Yes, my students lead rough lives. Yes, there are statistics out there that have already defined them. However, I believe in the power of my students and in fostering a learning environment where they can flourish!
My Project
Picture a classroom in your mind. You probably see student desks, lined in rows or grouped in pods. What kind of seats do the students have? Most likely, the standard four-legged plastic chair, right?! Now, what are those students doing in those chairs? Dozing off? Fidgeting? Watching their feet under the desks? By 5th grade, most students are used to that exact type of classroom set up. This year and beyond, I want my students to experience flexible seating! It gives students and teachers an opportunity to break away from typical seats and desks. Instead, students can learn on the floor, at around table, and even more comfortably seated at their desks with padded seats or yoga balls to sit upon. When students are able to be more comfortable because of where and how they are sitting, they can engage in the lesson and focus their attention on the teacher's facilitation as well as their own participation. Help me bring flexible seating to my classroom!
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