Culture (what we do and believe) and climate (how we feel and behave) go hand-in-hand. Working with inner-city students who live in adverse conditions, I found it imperative to establish a classroom culture in which students are given the freedom of choice. Empowering students in this way creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging climate. One way to create such a culture and climate is through flexible classroom seating.
Over the past few years, I have slowly made the transition from traditional classroom seating to one that utilizes flexible seating and have found that my students are more engaged in learning because the room is now OUR living space, and that sense of ownership makes them feel empowered and invested. Students not enrolled in my class often stop by my classroom and comment how "cool," "dope," or warm and inviting it looks.
Currently, my classroom consists of a sofa, Papasan chairs, and a bean bag, along with rectangular and square tables, and a few traditional desks. Students have the freedom to choose where they sit and work, creating a non-threatening atmosphere, particularly for those who have felt intimidated by reading and writing, and making it easy to transition from independent work to group work. When students feel comfortable, they are on-task. For many, my classroom feels more like a home than their actual homes.
The products I've selected will allow me to continue to build on my room's flexible seating. Lap desks can be used by students who choose to work in lounge chairs; standing desks will give fidgety students a break from sitting, and the carpet and low round table will provide an option for those who prefer working on the floor. This will give students more choices and control over their home away from home.
About my class
Culture (what we do and believe) and climate (how we feel and behave) go hand-in-hand. Working with inner-city students who live in adverse conditions, I found it imperative to establish a classroom culture in which students are given the freedom of choice. Empowering students in this way creates a safe, inclusive, and engaging climate. One way to create such a culture and climate is through flexible classroom seating.
Over the past few years, I have slowly made the transition from traditional classroom seating to one that utilizes flexible seating and have found that my students are more engaged in learning because the room is now OUR living space, and that sense of ownership makes them feel empowered and invested. Students not enrolled in my class often stop by my classroom and comment how "cool," "dope," or warm and inviting it looks.
Currently, my classroom consists of a sofa, Papasan chairs, and a bean bag, along with rectangular and square tables, and a few traditional desks. Students have the freedom to choose where they sit and work, creating a non-threatening atmosphere, particularly for those who have felt intimidated by reading and writing, and making it easy to transition from independent work to group work. When students feel comfortable, they are on-task. For many, my classroom feels more like a home than their actual homes.
The products I've selected will allow me to continue to build on my room's flexible seating. Lap desks can be used by students who choose to work in lounge chairs; standing desks will give fidgety students a break from sitting, and the carpet and low round table will provide an option for those who prefer working on the floor. This will give students more choices and control over their home away from home.
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