Struggling readers at Meigs are eager to create a "Learning Lounge" in our classroom! Flexible seating is an innovative way of inspiring, motivating, and engaging students with seating choices similar to walking into a Starbucks! Constant "wobble" using the balance ball chairs, wobble stools, or wobble cushions help engage muscles and provide an opportunity to release excess energy. They can improve balance and allow students' backs, knees, and hips to rest comfortably. Active seating options are designed to increase focus and stimulate thinking to allow continuous, non-distracting movement. Providing a variety of choices will allow purposeful movement to strengthen students’ core muscles while increasing focus on school work. The stools allow positive motions in class that can help speed up cognition and make deeper connections to learning materials.
In order for my classroom to be more conducive to open collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication I have involved my middle school students in redesigning my classroom and transforming it into our "Learning Lounge!"
Research shows some benefits of this concept include burning more calories, using up excess energy, improving metabolism, increased motivation and engagement, creating a better oxygen flow to the brain, and improving core strength and overall posture. Consequently, it's not surprising that physical activity is linked to higher academic performance, better health, and improved behavior. I'm excited to see it for myself, and I am in hopes that these kids will emerge as leaders after being exposed to a new style of learning in the 21st century classroom!
About my class
Struggling readers at Meigs are eager to create a "Learning Lounge" in our classroom! Flexible seating is an innovative way of inspiring, motivating, and engaging students with seating choices similar to walking into a Starbucks! Constant "wobble" using the balance ball chairs, wobble stools, or wobble cushions help engage muscles and provide an opportunity to release excess energy. They can improve balance and allow students' backs, knees, and hips to rest comfortably. Active seating options are designed to increase focus and stimulate thinking to allow continuous, non-distracting movement. Providing a variety of choices will allow purposeful movement to strengthen students’ core muscles while increasing focus on school work. The stools allow positive motions in class that can help speed up cognition and make deeper connections to learning materials.
In order for my classroom to be more conducive to open collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication I have involved my middle school students in redesigning my classroom and transforming it into our "Learning Lounge!"
Research shows some benefits of this concept include burning more calories, using up excess energy, improving metabolism, increased motivation and engagement, creating a better oxygen flow to the brain, and improving core strength and overall posture. Consequently, it's not surprising that physical activity is linked to higher academic performance, better health, and improved behavior. I'm excited to see it for myself, and I am in hopes that these kids will emerge as leaders after being exposed to a new style of learning in the 21st century classroom!
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