I know, it's hard to wrap our minds around...
Contrary to popular belief and what would seem to be "common sense", sitting down all day is hard work! Not only is sitting in the same metal chair all day uncomfortable, but it also makes learning more difficult and harder to focus on. In fact, research shows that mobility is a key piece to staying engaged.
In order to make my classroom a more productive and flexible place, I have recently begun to incorporate the use stability balls into my small group reading instruction. Not only has this change in routine caused students to be even more excited for this type of instruction, but I've found that it has caused them to become “smart shoppers”, as they have begun to learn which seating choice works best for them and their learning style.
While I do plan to keep traditional desks available, I’d like to be able to offer students opportunities to sit in other places during periods of the day as well. To do this, I will be purchasing additional stability balls with feet so that children can use them safely without an adult directly in front of them. I also hope to utilize more of my floor space by purchasing small rugs and lap desks for students to use, without having to lay on the floor for a hard surface to write on. Lastly, the dorm chairs and stools would offer students the opportunity to sit on surfaces with varying amounts of stiffness and back support, at tables I already have in my classroom.
About my class
I know, it's hard to wrap our minds around...
Contrary to popular belief and what would seem to be "common sense", sitting down all day is hard work! Not only is sitting in the same metal chair all day uncomfortable, but it also makes learning more difficult and harder to focus on. In fact, research shows that mobility is a key piece to staying engaged.
In order to make my classroom a more productive and flexible place, I have recently begun to incorporate the use stability balls into my small group reading instruction. Not only has this change in routine caused students to be even more excited for this type of instruction, but I've found that it has caused them to become “smart shoppers”, as they have begun to learn which seating choice works best for them and their learning style.
While I do plan to keep traditional desks available, I’d like to be able to offer students opportunities to sit in other places during periods of the day as well. To do this, I will be purchasing additional stability balls with feet so that children can use them safely without an adult directly in front of them. I also hope to utilize more of my floor space by purchasing small rugs and lap desks for students to use, without having to lay on the floor for a hard surface to write on. Lastly, the dorm chairs and stools would offer students the opportunity to sit on surfaces with varying amounts of stiffness and back support, at tables I already have in my classroom.
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