Our students spend almost as much time at school as they do at home, and for many, their current home lives are riddled with distress about family and health in the presence of COVID 19.
It only makes sense that we, as teachers, provide an environment for students that is both stimulating and calming - where they can find inspiration to engage with mathematics and also refuge from stressors in life. One way I can create such an environment is to furnish my room with standing workspaces and sprinkle living plants on shelves and tables. In addition to the plethora of science-backed health benefits, the use of standing desks is also linked to improved mood, energy, and productivity, and would increase student autonomy. Live houseplants have a similar effect on mental well-being; research shows they can improve cognitive ability and mood, lessen anxiety, and purify the pandemic air as an added bonus. Since my cinderblock-filled classroom has no natural light, the LED grow lights would allow me to keep plants happily staged in my class.
My classroom's "puzzle corner" is well-loved; however, too often students finish a puzzle only to find pieces have gone missing. Having a puzzle board would eliminate this issue, and allow for up to 6 students at a time to organize and connect pieces. With removeable drawers, students could also bring sections to their desks to work individually. Jigsaw puzzles are known to increase focus and memory, encourage using both sides of the brain, aide in spatial reasoning, and provide a needed outlet for relaxing during this challenging time. My hope is that through these practices, my students will become metacognitive and mentally healthy, so that even in a pandemic learning environment, they feel prepared to persevere.
About my class
Our students spend almost as much time at school as they do at home, and for many, their current home lives are riddled with distress about family and health in the presence of COVID 19.
It only makes sense that we, as teachers, provide an environment for students that is both stimulating and calming - where they can find inspiration to engage with mathematics and also refuge from stressors in life. One way I can create such an environment is to furnish my room with standing workspaces and sprinkle living plants on shelves and tables. In addition to the plethora of science-backed health benefits, the use of standing desks is also linked to improved mood, energy, and productivity, and would increase student autonomy. Live houseplants have a similar effect on mental well-being; research shows they can improve cognitive ability and mood, lessen anxiety, and purify the pandemic air as an added bonus. Since my cinderblock-filled classroom has no natural light, the LED grow lights would allow me to keep plants happily staged in my class.
My classroom's "puzzle corner" is well-loved; however, too often students finish a puzzle only to find pieces have gone missing. Having a puzzle board would eliminate this issue, and allow for up to 6 students at a time to organize and connect pieces. With removeable drawers, students could also bring sections to their desks to work individually. Jigsaw puzzles are known to increase focus and memory, encourage using both sides of the brain, aide in spatial reasoning, and provide a needed outlet for relaxing during this challenging time. My hope is that through these practices, my students will become metacognitive and mentally healthy, so that even in a pandemic learning environment, they feel prepared to persevere.
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