When you walk into my classroom this year, you are going to notice that your child's desk is missing. Over my previous years of teaching, I began learning about motivating students and classroom environments. I was deeply interested because 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
9. is LOVED by the students and teacher
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 U-shaped table in small group settings. Those who prefer an “alternative” seat can choose from: yoga ball chairs, quad camping chairs, body pillows, stools, wobble chairs, and a rug. If they prefer standing, I have a high table for them to work at. 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 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. It has done wonders so far in my classroom for my past students. I am looking forward to a great year!
Here are some links to articles about alternative seating:
Most of the research is about the use of stability balls.
http://www.1massagestore.com/blog/ex...ids-with-adhd/
http://www.mrsc.ubc.ca/images/KennedyCAT.pdf
http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-1...s-balls-engage
http://teacherweb.com/IL/PecatonicaE...offman/h2.aspx
http://wcco.com/education/stability.....2.991306.html
http://www.ehow.com/way_5294812_usin...ad-chairs.html
http://www.support-for-add-and-autis...ity_balls.html
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
9. is LOVED by the students and teacher
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 U-shaped table in small group settings. Those who prefer an “alternative” seat can choose from: yoga ball chairs, quad camping chairs, body pillows, stools, wobble chairs, and a rug. If they prefer standing, I have a high table for them to work at. 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 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. It has done wonders so far in my classroom for my past students. I am looking forward to a great year!
Here are some links to articles about alternative seating:
Most of the research is about the use of stability balls.
http://www.1massagestore.com/blog/ex...ids-with-adhd/
http://www.mrsc.ubc.ca/images/KennedyCAT.pdf
http://articles.sfgate.com/2009-03-1...s-balls-engage
http://teacherweb.com/IL/PecatonicaE...offman/h2.aspx
http://wcco.com/education/stability.....2.991306.html
http://www.ehow.com/way_5294812_usin...ad-chairs.html
http://www.support-for-add-and-autis...ity_balls.html