Learners in Motion

Funded Aug 28, 2018

Thank you so much for helping me to create a comfortable classroom for my students. My students have not had the opportunity to utilize flexible seating in a classroom before and they have been thrilled with this opportunity. They enjoy having a variety of options in the classroom to fit their mood, as well as the task at hand. Everyone has enjoyed using the wobble stools at their desk in order to allow them movement during independent tasks. I appreciate how it has helped them be able to move and focus during small group instruction at my table. I work for 20-30 minutes per day with each of my word study groups, and the wobble stools have made that amount of time possible for learners who need to be in motion.

During our literacy block, which is our entire morning, students enjoy the freedom of choice they have with flexible seating. In our library the students enjoy using the floor cushions to cozy up with a book, and the seats are big enough that often times two friends will be able to buddy read one on cushion. For my readers who need more movement in their life, well they thoroughly enjoy having a balance ball on our large carpet. They are able to read independently for a sustained period of time as long as they can bounce and stretch themselves over the balance ball.

When writing this project and receiving the materials I was focused on physical comfort and movement for my students. However, the greatest impact that this seating has had is the calming effect for some of my students who were struggling to be in control of their actions and reactions. I keep a cushion chair behind my kidney desk at all times, sometimes one on each side, and it has become a designated space that students can choose to place themselves. They are able to take time to refocus, calm their emotions, and have me close without needing to fully stop my small group instruction. I am very thankful for this comfortable and calm space that you have provided for my students. We are all so very grateful for the daily comfort you have provided our classroom.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Ramirez