What is Flexible Seating????
Read an article about Flexible Seating Benefits.....
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Dear Families,
When you walk into my classroom this year, you are going to notice that my classroom will be unlike any other classroom you’ve seen before. Yes, it is well decorated, bright and fun. It has crate seats, pillows, chairs, a rug, stability balls, and lots of open space. But you’ll notice that something is missing. The missing piece is your child’s desk. I was doing a lot of research over the summer about motivating students and classroom environments. I was deeply interested because I am passionate about classroom design and its affect on learning. I want my classroom to be motivating, fun, and able to accommodate the needs of all my students. I came across an article about something called “alternative seating”. This throws the idea of a traditional classroom out the window. Instead of desks and chairs, there are soft chairs, stability balls, stools, ottomans, low tables, rugs, etc. I was intrigued and decided to research it further. I found out some very interesting things about alternative seating. According to the research I found, alternative seating: 1. Helps students attention spans which results in higher achievement. 2. Makes students more actively engaged in the classroom. 3. Gives them an active outlet without disrupting their learning. 4. Makes them more physically fit. 5. Motivates students to want to come to school. 6. Helps those with ADHD and Autism, along with other special needs. 7. Helps develop a sense of community among the students which improves their social skills. 8. Helps them to become independent learners. 9. Is LOVED by the students and teacher. So, your child’s classroom will be an alternative seating classroom. I understand that some kids would prefer a regular table and chair. I will have a table with chairs set up for those learners. They will also be able to use my bean shaped table in small group settings. Those who prefer an “alternative” seat can choose from: crate seats/bucket seats, butterfly chair, pillows, low table, regular student chairs, and a rug. If they prefer standing, I have options for them to work at the counter or tall cart. Students can choose to write on a hard surface (such as a low table) or use clipboards, or even the floor. The students’ supplies will be placed in baskets on shelves for easy access. They can grab their stuff and go to a spot that suits them. This method will allow your child to do their BEST learning. For example, I do my best work sitting on a couch with my laptop. My husband works best at a table or desk. Children are no different. Just like children have different learning styles, they have different physical needs when it comes to learning. “When the body is active, the brain is active”. I will be teaching the students how to choose a spot that is the most conducive to their learning style. If a student is unable to manage the alternative seating they will be assigned a spot in the classroom, they have to be an active part of their learning which comes with responsibility on the student’s part. I am very excited to do this in my classroom and I hope you are too. I understand it might be a little strange and not at all what you’re used to but I truly believe this will help your child be the best learner they can be. This is new and a work in progress, but I am really excited about the journey. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at: [email protected]. I am looking forward to a great year! Excited for our year together! Suzanne Rivera PH: 847-599-5028 [email protected] |
In no way is one way of sitting or teaching the right way I am just trying to do the best I can to help my students learn in the best way they feel most comfortable.