When you walk into my classroom
this year, you are going to notice that my classroom will be unlike any other
classroom you’ve seen before. Yes, it is well decorated, bright and fun. It has tons of books, pillows, fun chairs, a
rug, and lots of motivational posters. But you’ll notice that something is
missing. The missing piece is your
child’s desk.
I am
passionate about classroom design and its affect on learning. I want my
classroom to be bright, motivating, fun, and able to accommodate the needs of
all my students. I came across an article about something called “alternative
seating”. This throws the idea of a
traditional classroom out the window. Instead of desks and chairs, there are
soft chairs, stability balls, stools, ottomans, low tables, rugs, etc. I was intrigued and decided to research it
further. I found out some very interesting things about alternative seating.
According to the research I found, alternative seating:
1. Helps students attention spans which
results in higher achievement
2. Makes students more actively engaged in
the classroom
3. Gives them an active outlet without
disrupting their learning
4. Makes them more physically fit
5. Motivates students to want to come to
school
6. Helps those with ADHD and Autism, along
with other special needs
7. Helps develop a sense of community among
the students which improves their social skills
8. Helps them to become independent learners
So, your child’s classroom will be an alternative seating classroom. I
understand that some kids would prefer a regular table and chair. I will have a
table with chairs set up for those learners.
They will also be able to use my trap table in small group settings. There will also be student desk available as
well. Those who prefer an “alternative” seat can choose from: bungee chairs, beach chairs, pillows,
ottomans, stools, stability balls, bean bags, and a rug. If they prefer
standing, I will have high table for them to work. Students can choose to write on a hard
surface (such as a low table) or use clipboards, lapboards, even the
floor. The students’ supplies will be
placed in baskets on shelves for easy access. They can grab their stuff and go
to a spot that suits them.
This method will allow your child to do their BEST learning. For example, I do my best work lying on the
couch with a laptop. My husband works best sitting in a soft chair at a
desk. Children are no different. Just like children have different learning
styles, they have different physical needs when it comes to learning. “When the body is active, the brain is
active”. I will be teaching the students how to choose a spot that is the most
conducive to their learning style.
I am very excited to do this in my classroom and I hope you are too. I
understand it might be a little strange and not at all what you’re used to, but
I truly believe this will help your child be the best learner they can be.
No comments:
Post a Comment