I am a veteran special education teacher, who has transitioned to the regular education classroom. I've always know how effective wiggles stools and cushions can be for students with attentional difficulties, what I didn't know was how effective they could be for ALL students.
At the beginning of every school year, I always teach my students that fair is not always equal. The "Bandaid" lesson is always memorable. Students come up with "injuries", i.e. a bloody nose or a broken arm. When they come to tell me their injury, I give each student a bandaid, no matter what the injury is. This enables them to learn the lesson that fair is not always equal. I tell them, "As your teacher, I will do my best to be fair, but this will not always look equal. I may spend more time with some students than others and I may treat some students differently than others depending on their needs at the time. I will always do my best to meet everyone’s needs."
I learned from my students this year that SOMETIMES everyone could benefit from a universal tool, such as a wiggle stool or cushion. I had purchased 3 cushions and stools of my own, and after the first 2 months, if I could have afforded it, I would have purchased wiggle tools for ALL of them. I watched the benefits as the 3 cushions and 3 stools I owned, were rotated through the masses. My students were patient and kind to each other, and whenever they had a chance to sit on a wiggle cushion or stool, they were able to sustain attention for longer periods of time, and were more actively engaged. I am hoping to provide all my students with access to such an incredible tool.
About my class
I am a veteran special education teacher, who has transitioned to the regular education classroom. I've always know how effective wiggles stools and cushions can be for students with attentional difficulties, what I didn't know was how effective they could be for ALL students.
At the beginning of every school year, I always teach my students that fair is not always equal. The "Bandaid" lesson is always memorable. Students come up with "injuries", i.e. a bloody nose or a broken arm. When they come to tell me their injury, I give each student a bandaid, no matter what the injury is. This enables them to learn the lesson that fair is not always equal. I tell them, "As your teacher, I will do my best to be fair, but this will not always look equal. I may spend more time with some students than others and I may treat some students differently than others depending on their needs at the time. I will always do my best to meet everyone’s needs."
I learned from my students this year that SOMETIMES everyone could benefit from a universal tool, such as a wiggle stool or cushion. I had purchased 3 cushions and stools of my own, and after the first 2 months, if I could have afforded it, I would have purchased wiggle tools for ALL of them. I watched the benefits as the 3 cushions and 3 stools I owned, were rotated through the masses. My students were patient and kind to each other, and whenever they had a chance to sit on a wiggle cushion or stool, they were able to sustain attention for longer periods of time, and were more actively engaged. I am hoping to provide all my students with access to such an incredible tool.
Read more