While flexible seating has shown an increase in academic achievement, it also:
♣ Provides choice- Students feel empowered by having a degree of choice and control over their environment.
♣ Improves health- Flexible seating allows leaners to wobble, rock, bounce, lean, or stand which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow, and core strength. All of which, burns more calories and increases metabolism. It also helps keep students focused and more alert.
♣ Comfort- An uncomfortable student is a distracted and unproductive student. This student is missing out on instruction.
♣ Community- The typical classroom seating can make students territorial over their space and supplies whereas flexible seating encourages students to share and take turns.
♣ Collaboration- Flexible seating makes pairing up, working in groups, or whole group work quick and easy.
♣ Commitment to learning- A 2012 study from the University of Minnesota found students participated 48% more in discussions with collaborative group seating versus traditional lecture-style seating, and also improved performance on standardized test.
♣ Communication- New rules and expectations will need to be incorporated to use flexible seating effectively which means new communication among my students and myself.
♣ Sensory Input- Many of the flexible seating options stimulate touch. This stimulation can help learners with focus and process of information. Students with ADHD, ADD, and ASD will find this type of seating especially helpful.
The mentioned list of benefits define why I want to implement this idea of flexible seating in my classroom. I want to improve student achievement and health as well as promote collaboration and sense of community. I want a classroom that engages my students in mind and body.
About my class
While flexible seating has shown an increase in academic achievement, it also:
♣ Provides choice- Students feel empowered by having a degree of choice and control over their environment.
♣ Improves health- Flexible seating allows leaners to wobble, rock, bounce, lean, or stand which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow, and core strength. All of which, burns more calories and increases metabolism. It also helps keep students focused and more alert.
♣ Comfort- An uncomfortable student is a distracted and unproductive student. This student is missing out on instruction.
♣ Community- The typical classroom seating can make students territorial over their space and supplies whereas flexible seating encourages students to share and take turns.
♣ Collaboration- Flexible seating makes pairing up, working in groups, or whole group work quick and easy.
♣ Commitment to learning- A 2012 study from the University of Minnesota found students participated 48% more in discussions with collaborative group seating versus traditional lecture-style seating, and also improved performance on standardized test.
♣ Communication- New rules and expectations will need to be incorporated to use flexible seating effectively which means new communication among my students and myself.
♣ Sensory Input- Many of the flexible seating options stimulate touch. This stimulation can help learners with focus and process of information. Students with ADHD, ADD, and ASD will find this type of seating especially helpful.
The mentioned list of benefits define why I want to implement this idea of flexible seating in my classroom. I want to improve student achievement and health as well as promote collaboration and sense of community. I want a classroom that engages my students in mind and body.
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