Many of my students have very few, if any, hands on toys to play with at home let alone toys that encourage creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Adding some STEM manipulatives to my classroom will be huge in fostering flexible thinking and creativity in my third graders and pulling them away from technology centered “fun”. I want my students to have the opportunity to build, communicate, and imagine together instead of sitting in front of a computer screen.
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them. During independent work times my students choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently, my students can choose from sitting at their desk, on the carpet, or on one of the three “special chairs” I have in the room. Not many comfortable options for 21 students. Making sure students are comfortable is essential in motivating them, honestly, the same as it is for adults! I have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating, but I simply do not have enough options for them to choose from.
Finally, I put a few snacks on my list. Every year, I supply “emergency snack bin” snacks for students who “forget their snacks”. Most of the time, it is my ENL students who qualify for free breakfast and lunch who need a snack from this bin everyday, not just in an ‘emergency.’ Extra snacks have become a regular addition to my grocery list each week and getting a few stashed away to lessen the amount I am purchasing would be a great help!
About my class
Many of my students have very few, if any, hands on toys to play with at home let alone toys that encourage creative thinking, problem solving and teamwork. Adding some STEM manipulatives to my classroom will be huge in fostering flexible thinking and creativity in my third graders and pulling them away from technology centered “fun”. I want my students to have the opportunity to build, communicate, and imagine together instead of sitting in front of a computer screen.
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them. During independent work times my students choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently, my students can choose from sitting at their desk, on the carpet, or on one of the three “special chairs” I have in the room. Not many comfortable options for 21 students. Making sure students are comfortable is essential in motivating them, honestly, the same as it is for adults! I have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating, but I simply do not have enough options for them to choose from.
Finally, I put a few snacks on my list. Every year, I supply “emergency snack bin” snacks for students who “forget their snacks”. Most of the time, it is my ENL students who qualify for free breakfast and lunch who need a snack from this bin everyday, not just in an ‘emergency.’ Extra snacks have become a regular addition to my grocery list each week and getting a few stashed away to lessen the amount I am purchasing would be a great help!
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