Because of hybrid and virtual learning, many of my students are accustomed to sitting on the couch or their bed while they are doing their school-work. Right now, my classroom has old, metal chairs and I often notice my students squirming around trying to get comfortable. They will also take any opportunity to sit on the floor around the classroom, especially in our reading corner. When I asked my students what I could do to help them learn better, many of them requested more comfortable seating options such as cushions and pillows.
Comfortable seating options would allow my students to feel good physically and mentally as they are able to concentrate better and feel more at home in the classroom. Because of the COVID-19, my students have not spent nearly as much time at school as 3rd graders would have pre-pandemic. This transition back to "normal" school hours has been difficult for many of them, and an added measure of comfort and "home-y-ness" would help continue to aid them in this transition.
Having comfortable seating options in my classroom would provide my students the opportunity to recognize how they learn the best. Some of them may like having a cushion on their desk chair. Others may enjoy a cozy beanbag to silently read a book. It will also help them learn independence and self-control as they advance to fourth grade which has full flexible seating. These may not seem like a big deal to some, but school can be difficult and uncomfortable in may ways. However, the chair that students sit on, should not be one of those ways.
About my class
Because of hybrid and virtual learning, many of my students are accustomed to sitting on the couch or their bed while they are doing their school-work. Right now, my classroom has old, metal chairs and I often notice my students squirming around trying to get comfortable. They will also take any opportunity to sit on the floor around the classroom, especially in our reading corner. When I asked my students what I could do to help them learn better, many of them requested more comfortable seating options such as cushions and pillows.
Comfortable seating options would allow my students to feel good physically and mentally as they are able to concentrate better and feel more at home in the classroom. Because of the COVID-19, my students have not spent nearly as much time at school as 3rd graders would have pre-pandemic. This transition back to "normal" school hours has been difficult for many of them, and an added measure of comfort and "home-y-ness" would help continue to aid them in this transition.
Having comfortable seating options in my classroom would provide my students the opportunity to recognize how they learn the best. Some of them may like having a cushion on their desk chair. Others may enjoy a cozy beanbag to silently read a book. It will also help them learn independence and self-control as they advance to fourth grade which has full flexible seating. These may not seem like a big deal to some, but school can be difficult and uncomfortable in may ways. However, the chair that students sit on, should not be one of those ways.