As a new teacher, I always thought the posture of my students was VERY important. "Sit up and look like a scholar" were the words I would use towards many of them when I saw them slouching, standing, sitting with their knees tucked up underneath them, etc. However, as I grew in my experience, I realized that as an adult, I am incapable of sitting the way that I was asking them to! I often sit on the floor, stand up, squat, kneel, or sit on my knees. This has led me to realize the value and importance of seating options.
Research shows that physical activity greatly enhances brain function and learning. While great for some students, traditional chairs do not offer any flexibility for those who may need it. Providing students with more seating options gives them the opportunity to get up, move around, stand, squat, kneel, or bounce. It also gives them the valuable option of CHOICE. When students feel like they have a choice, their motivation improves, their desire to work hard improves, their overall mentality towards work improves, and therefore, their success improves.
This is why I want to create a classroom environment with movement and options. I am asking for a class set of yoga balls that students can use for seating at their desks. I am also asking for wobbly chairs that will be a seating option at tables and or desks. Sitting on the yoga balls and wobbly chairs will not only help students burn more calories and have better posture, but research shows that the movement during their work time helps with their focus and attention. Lastly, I am asking for pads and pillows that students can use to sit or kneel on.
About my class
As a new teacher, I always thought the posture of my students was VERY important. "Sit up and look like a scholar" were the words I would use towards many of them when I saw them slouching, standing, sitting with their knees tucked up underneath them, etc. However, as I grew in my experience, I realized that as an adult, I am incapable of sitting the way that I was asking them to! I often sit on the floor, stand up, squat, kneel, or sit on my knees. This has led me to realize the value and importance of seating options.
Research shows that physical activity greatly enhances brain function and learning. While great for some students, traditional chairs do not offer any flexibility for those who may need it. Providing students with more seating options gives them the opportunity to get up, move around, stand, squat, kneel, or bounce. It also gives them the valuable option of CHOICE. When students feel like they have a choice, their motivation improves, their desire to work hard improves, their overall mentality towards work improves, and therefore, their success improves.
This is why I want to create a classroom environment with movement and options. I am asking for a class set of yoga balls that students can use for seating at their desks. I am also asking for wobbly chairs that will be a seating option at tables and or desks. Sitting on the yoga balls and wobbly chairs will not only help students burn more calories and have better posture, but research shows that the movement during their work time helps with their focus and attention. Lastly, I am asking for pads and pillows that students can use to sit or kneel on.
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