More than three‑quarters 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.
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I've been teaching for 12 years and have always had a few random chairs scattered around my room. I've noticed that kids always gravitate to sitting in these chairs or even the floor when given the choice. My students seem to pay attention better and naturally group themselves for work when they are able to move their seating around easier. It's hard to physically pick up a desk and move it, not to mention noisy. When it comes to writing partners, small groups, and even sustained reading on their own, I think alternative seating is a win-win.
Students feel special when they get to sit in alternative seating and often work harder on lessons. They feel like it's a prize in the classroom: "I got to sit in the chair today, so I have to pay attention." What if everyone had a special chair where they felt comfortable and special for that 45 minutes? The classroom would still utilize conventional desks for part of the day, but when it came time for group activities or even individualized reading, it could serve as a motivator to get students reading on their own.
Provisions would be made for students who need to move around, students who need to sit, and students who need to stand. It would take time and lots of practice from the class, but eventually everyone would have an ideal work space based on their needs.
About my class
I've been teaching for 12 years and have always had a few random chairs scattered around my room. I've noticed that kids always gravitate to sitting in these chairs or even the floor when given the choice. My students seem to pay attention better and naturally group themselves for work when they are able to move their seating around easier. It's hard to physically pick up a desk and move it, not to mention noisy. When it comes to writing partners, small groups, and even sustained reading on their own, I think alternative seating is a win-win.
Students feel special when they get to sit in alternative seating and often work harder on lessons. They feel like it's a prize in the classroom: "I got to sit in the chair today, so I have to pay attention." What if everyone had a special chair where they felt comfortable and special for that 45 minutes? The classroom would still utilize conventional desks for part of the day, but when it came time for group activities or even individualized reading, it could serve as a motivator to get students reading on their own.
Provisions would be made for students who need to move around, students who need to sit, and students who need to stand. It would take time and lots of practice from the class, but eventually everyone would have an ideal work space based on their needs.