One challenge in education is teaching students to solve problems for themselves. We (and the internet) are constantly solving problems for them. We need students to be able to make appropriate choices for themselves. We can do this by creating an environment that is conducive to collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. When sitting in rows of desks for six hours a day, it simply cannot happen.
When you go to a coffee shop to get some work done or relax, do you choose the giant comfy chairs, the tall bar stools at the counter, the short stools at the community table or the typical chair and table? I choose the comfy chair, but as I look around I see people peacefully working at all areas. I see some talking while others are deep into a book. Some are interviewing, while others are correcting papers like me. When placed in a relaxing environment, we tend to be more focused. This is how I want my class to be through flexible seating.
By donating to my project, you will not only help to improve and increase student attention and focus, you will ultimately help to increase their academic achievement. My classroom will not have desks in rows. There will be low areas where students can sit on wiggle seats or pillows on the floor, rug areas for reading, yoga mats that will allow students to work on their stomachs on a clipboard, tall counter areas that students can stand at to do work, and several other areas that I have already furnished with my own money (yoga balls, camping and scoop chairs). Students will be allowed to choose the way they want to that day, just as you and I do at home or at that coffee shop.
About my class
One challenge in education is teaching students to solve problems for themselves. We (and the internet) are constantly solving problems for them. We need students to be able to make appropriate choices for themselves. We can do this by creating an environment that is conducive to collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. When sitting in rows of desks for six hours a day, it simply cannot happen.
When you go to a coffee shop to get some work done or relax, do you choose the giant comfy chairs, the tall bar stools at the counter, the short stools at the community table or the typical chair and table? I choose the comfy chair, but as I look around I see people peacefully working at all areas. I see some talking while others are deep into a book. Some are interviewing, while others are correcting papers like me. When placed in a relaxing environment, we tend to be more focused. This is how I want my class to be through flexible seating.
By donating to my project, you will not only help to improve and increase student attention and focus, you will ultimately help to increase their academic achievement. My classroom will not have desks in rows. There will be low areas where students can sit on wiggle seats or pillows on the floor, rug areas for reading, yoga mats that will allow students to work on their stomachs on a clipboard, tall counter areas that students can stand at to do work, and several other areas that I have already furnished with my own money (yoga balls, camping and scoop chairs). Students will be allowed to choose the way they want to that day, just as you and I do at home or at that coffee shop.
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