Help support Mrs. Ward's Classroom

Imagine being asked to collaboratively solve complex mathematical problems with a group of peers. At one o'clock in the afternoon. After having previous been asked to analyze and synthesize literature in your English classroom or hyposthsize in your science class. Students are asked to focus consistentely throughout the school day to meet the high expectations all teacher have - all while sitting on hard plastic chairs! Could you do this? I have tried and failed. Movement is second nature - students need a setting that moves along with them, allowing their bodies to dictate how they learn best. Some of my students prefer to stand on a kick balance board and sway; for others bouncing gently on a stability ball at their desk is the most benefical. There's a term for this kind of atmosphere in the classroom and it is "flexible seating." What is flexible seating? A flexible seating classroom is one in which traditional chairs are replaced with seating arrangements that allow the students to sit where they choose. One of its principal objectives is to reduce the number/duration of sedentary periods of time, which research has identified as a hindrance to learning. Reserach proves time and time again that attention span increases when a student’s body can shift, rock and bounce without disturbance. When attention increases, engagement and learning come to the forefront and a deeper understanding of material takes place. I need your help adding seating options like balance balls, a standing desk and kick balance mat for movement.

About my class

Imagine being asked to collaboratively solve complex mathematical problems with a group of peers. At one o'clock in the afternoon. After having previous been asked to analyze and synthesize literature in your English classroom or hyposthsize in your science class. Students are asked to focus consistentely throughout the school day to meet the high expectations all teacher have - all while sitting on hard plastic chairs! Could you do this? I have tried and failed. Movement is second nature - students need a setting that moves along with them, allowing their bodies to dictate how they learn best. Some of my students prefer to stand on a kick balance board and sway; for others bouncing gently on a stability ball at their desk is the most benefical. There's a term for this kind of atmosphere in the classroom and it is "flexible seating." What is flexible seating? A flexible seating classroom is one in which traditional chairs are replaced with seating arrangements that allow the students to sit where they choose. One of its principal objectives is to reduce the number/duration of sedentary periods of time, which research has identified as a hindrance to learning. Reserach proves time and time again that attention span increases when a student’s body can shift, rock and bounce without disturbance. When attention increases, engagement and learning come to the forefront and a deeper understanding of material takes place. I need your help adding seating options like balance balls, a standing desk and kick balance mat for movement.

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Ward's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Ward's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season! Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.

Mrs. Ward's Classroom Edit display name

Support her classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

Support Mrs. Ward's classroom with a gift that fosters learning.

About my class

About my class

Share this classroom

Help teachers & students in your hometown this season!
Use code HOME at checkout and your donation will be matched up to $100.