In ten short years, there have been tremendous changes in education. With these changes, largely due to increased availability of technology, the classroom set up must change as well. Chalkboards and rows of desks have become a thing of the past. With new pedagogies focusing on collaborative work, peer teaching, and teacher facilitated learning, classrooms need to be redesigned to support and encourage student learning. Flexible seating, especially for students who have difficulty remaining seated in one position, allows for more freedom of choice, movement, comfort and collaboration. When students collaborate, it opens discussions which improves social behavior and communication skills. Technology has allowed more opportunities for students; however, it has reduced many students’ ability to verbally communicate; which makes collaboration very important.
Flexible seating allows students more choice, comfort and sensory input. For students with special needs, flexible seating allows for more movement by rocking, leaning, standing and laying. More movement allows for students to remain engaged and alert longer. Flexible seating is also conducive to collaboration. When students can share ideas and solve problems together they develop higher-level thinking skills as well as leadership skills. Collaboration also leads to increased retention and self-esteem, which many middle school special education students lack. These opportunities increase students' understanding of diverse viewpoints.
Middle school students are busy, active and enjoy sharing ideas and theories with each other. They work best when they can wiggle, lay around, and be comfortable. Comfy, cozy, flexible seating leads to increased focus and a greater desire to learn. I have a desire to transform my traditional classroom to a comfy, cozy learning center.
About my class
In ten short years, there have been tremendous changes in education. With these changes, largely due to increased availability of technology, the classroom set up must change as well. Chalkboards and rows of desks have become a thing of the past. With new pedagogies focusing on collaborative work, peer teaching, and teacher facilitated learning, classrooms need to be redesigned to support and encourage student learning. Flexible seating, especially for students who have difficulty remaining seated in one position, allows for more freedom of choice, movement, comfort and collaboration. When students collaborate, it opens discussions which improves social behavior and communication skills. Technology has allowed more opportunities for students; however, it has reduced many students’ ability to verbally communicate; which makes collaboration very important.
Flexible seating allows students more choice, comfort and sensory input. For students with special needs, flexible seating allows for more movement by rocking, leaning, standing and laying. More movement allows for students to remain engaged and alert longer. Flexible seating is also conducive to collaboration. When students can share ideas and solve problems together they develop higher-level thinking skills as well as leadership skills. Collaboration also leads to increased retention and self-esteem, which many middle school special education students lack. These opportunities increase students' understanding of diverse viewpoints.
Middle school students are busy, active and enjoy sharing ideas and theories with each other. They work best when they can wiggle, lay around, and be comfortable. Comfy, cozy, flexible seating leads to increased focus and a greater desire to learn. I have a desire to transform my traditional classroom to a comfy, cozy learning center.
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