My students engaged in EdLeader21 21st Century Learning Spaces Performance Task as part of a network of districts across the nation committed to teaching and learning reflective of Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Communication. What an extreme challenge this was for my "designers" as they have little to no access to spaces outside their neighborhood due to low socio-economic status and language acquisition. Therefore, I was able to borrow flexible seating furniture from a neighboring school site and with countless images found online, I was able to help my students visualize what a "21st century learning space" SHOULD look like. Currently, every desk in my classroom is a "traditional," heavy-weighted desk which limits space for students to move about and access open space for collaboration and creativity. Each student sits in the same size "traditional" chair which also limits mobility and access to space for communication and collaboration. We have explored some outdoor space just outside our classroom door, and often the grass is wet and students have experienced muddy clothing as a result. Now that my students have engaged in what a "21st Century" classroom should look like, they are eager and in great hopes of this becoming a reality. I don't have the heart to tell them that this was only a writing activity; I desperately need your help to grant my students' wishes for the creative designs they expressed and articulated knowing "flexible seating" will most evidently support critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity such as writing desk with whiteboard top, wobble seat, pillows, yoga mats, and carpeted mat.
About my class
My students engaged in EdLeader21 21st Century Learning Spaces Performance Task as part of a network of districts across the nation committed to teaching and learning reflective of Collaboration, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Communication. What an extreme challenge this was for my "designers" as they have little to no access to spaces outside their neighborhood due to low socio-economic status and language acquisition. Therefore, I was able to borrow flexible seating furniture from a neighboring school site and with countless images found online, I was able to help my students visualize what a "21st century learning space" SHOULD look like. Currently, every desk in my classroom is a "traditional," heavy-weighted desk which limits space for students to move about and access open space for collaboration and creativity. Each student sits in the same size "traditional" chair which also limits mobility and access to space for communication and collaboration. We have explored some outdoor space just outside our classroom door, and often the grass is wet and students have experienced muddy clothing as a result. Now that my students have engaged in what a "21st Century" classroom should look like, they are eager and in great hopes of this becoming a reality. I don't have the heart to tell them that this was only a writing activity; I desperately need your help to grant my students' wishes for the creative designs they expressed and articulated knowing "flexible seating" will most evidently support critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity such as writing desk with whiteboard top, wobble seat, pillows, yoga mats, and carpeted mat.
Read more