When teaching students with learning differences you have to have an open mind and be "flexible." In the beginning of last school year, I had a few 6th graders who would come in and fidget, walk around, complain, or do no work for me. Then I rearranged my classroom, added some inexpensive beanbags and borrowed a few bungee chairs. The students were so excited to have a choice of seating that my non-workers became productive and the students who needed to have movement could do so without disrupting others.
Flexible seating allows students to feel empowered by having some degree of choice and control over their environment. It also allows them to change their location and positions as needed. Children need to move. Flexible seating gives them them the opportunity to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow and core strength. An uncomfortable student, is a distracted and unproductive student. Flexible seating encourages students to find their best spot to stay calm, focused and productive. Many flexible seating options stimulate students’ sense of touch. This type of stimulation can help children focus and process information.
I am a teacher of students as well as their advocate. I want every student to have what he or she needs to be successful each school day. It's amazing to watch a struggling student, who may be frustrated or unhappy, change their entire outlook just by changing their seat. My students and I thank you for your support.
About my class
When teaching students with learning differences you have to have an open mind and be "flexible." In the beginning of last school year, I had a few 6th graders who would come in and fidget, walk around, complain, or do no work for me. Then I rearranged my classroom, added some inexpensive beanbags and borrowed a few bungee chairs. The students were so excited to have a choice of seating that my non-workers became productive and the students who needed to have movement could do so without disrupting others.
Flexible seating allows students to feel empowered by having some degree of choice and control over their environment. It also allows them to change their location and positions as needed. Children need to move. Flexible seating gives them them the opportunity to wobble, rock, bounce, lean or stand, which increases oxygen flow to the brain, blood flow and core strength. An uncomfortable student, is a distracted and unproductive student. Flexible seating encourages students to find their best spot to stay calm, focused and productive. Many flexible seating options stimulate students’ sense of touch. This type of stimulation can help children focus and process information.
I am a teacher of students as well as their advocate. I want every student to have what he or she needs to be successful each school day. It's amazing to watch a struggling student, who may be frustrated or unhappy, change their entire outlook just by changing their seat. My students and I thank you for your support.
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