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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Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been brainstorming ways for students to feel more connected to one another and enhance their social-emotional learning in French class. Every day, we do a classroom community check-in, and I got rid of the classroom desks in favor of face-to-face communication with rotating classroom speaking partners. My students overall like the deskless classroom and are really excited about the prospect of flexible seating as an upgrade. I bought one portable lap desk for students to try out, and students wanted to pass it around the classroom and take turns using it. I can't wait until we have enough portable lap desks for everyone to have their own! I gave all of my 150 students a survey and their excitement is clear:
70% of French students say they would use a floor cushion if one were available, 80% of students say they would use a portable lap desk if one were available, and 90% of students say that flexible seating options would make them more successful and comfortable in French class.
The standards for world language in Utah include goal areas of Communication, Cultures, Connections, and Communities. Portable lap desks and floor cushions would help students to more easily make connections with all students in the classroom. They also would visually distinguish language class from other classes by emphasizing community and oral communication among students. Allowing for student choice in seating will support more flexibility in classroom organization, so students can practice and socialize with more students. It will also allow for student autonomy; student choice is proven to improve student behavior and wellness in the classroom.
About my class
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, I have been brainstorming ways for students to feel more connected to one another and enhance their social-emotional learning in French class. Every day, we do a classroom community check-in, and I got rid of the classroom desks in favor of face-to-face communication with rotating classroom speaking partners. My students overall like the deskless classroom and are really excited about the prospect of flexible seating as an upgrade. I bought one portable lap desk for students to try out, and students wanted to pass it around the classroom and take turns using it. I can't wait until we have enough portable lap desks for everyone to have their own! I gave all of my 150 students a survey and their excitement is clear:
70% of French students say they would use a floor cushion if one were available, 80% of students say they would use a portable lap desk if one were available, and 90% of students say that flexible seating options would make them more successful and comfortable in French class.
The standards for world language in Utah include goal areas of Communication, Cultures, Connections, and Communities. Portable lap desks and floor cushions would help students to more easily make connections with all students in the classroom. They also would visually distinguish language class from other classes by emphasizing community and oral communication among students. Allowing for student choice in seating will support more flexibility in classroom organization, so students can practice and socialize with more students. It will also allow for student autonomy; student choice is proven to improve student behavior and wellness in the classroom.