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Sit on it Kiddos!
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Hello Everybody! Throughout the duration of my alternative grad school program I want to research a number of topics so I will be better prepared for the day I have my very own classroom. This week I observed a teacher who did not have chairs in her classroom, instead her students sat on stabilities balls. The research she conducted led her to believe that this type of seating would create the best results from her students. During the same class she directed students to split up into groups to complete their assigned reading. At this time some students transition to sitting on bean bag chairs, rugs, and many other alternative seats. I began to wonder how I would prefer my classroom to be set up. Would I want students to sit in a more classical arrangement of desks, would I want them to sit around tables, would I use the idea of stability balls? I can see benefits to all different types of seating and would like to hear your knowledge or personal experiences that may help me make a decision! What would you suggest I use for seating in my classroom? I am hoping to hear some new ideas I have not heard of! Thanks for your input!
I love the idea of alternative seating options in the classroom! I feel that it is a great way to make students feel more comfortable and provides them with a more relaxed environment to work in. I personally don't think that replacing the chairs all together would be the best idea. While I think these alternative options are great, I think it is important to still provide a structured environment as well. I have teacher friends who use this strategy in their classroom, and I have seen it being used in the resource room where I student taught as well. In these instances, alternative seating arrangements (exercise balls, bean bags, pillows, benches, etc.) are used only at certain times throughout the day at the teacher's discretion. I've seen these alternatives used during center time, for group work, etc. I've also seen the use of alternative seating used as an incentive for good behavior or for when a student has displayed their best work.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your input! I think you made really good point when you suggested that you do not totally eliminate standard seating in the classroom, but rather allow the students to use them per teacher's discretion. I think it can also be a good reward for students who have good behavior and encourage other students to act appropriately as well!
DeleteI love the idea of using stability balls in the classroom. I think I would have it though at a certain table and maybe each week a different group got to sit at that table. This may be some sort of a reward. I also love the idea of letting the students sit in bean bag chairs or on the rug for reading time. In a kindergarten class that I subbed for the teacher did not require her students to sit down at that table during class time. Instead they were allowed to stand up next to their chair if they wanted. When she first told me this, I was a little concerned that the students wouldn't stay in their spot and would wonder around but they didn't. Students, in particular the younger ones, naturally need to move around.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the stability balls used in classrooms from Kindergarten to fourth grade. I think as you build your own classroom you will develop your own preferences. What works for one teacher does not for others. I have the typical desk set up in my second grade class. I do have areas that include rug areas, bean bag chairs, etc. My student love the "teacher" chair area for writing. They love the up and down to get their fit. In the beginning it was a distraction but after awhile the students were able to use it as a benefit. I think you will find that each class you have over the years will present a different need.
ReplyDeleteI did not even think about using the "teacher" chair area as a place for student to complete writing assignments! That is such a good idea. I did wonder how alternative seating would affect the children because I assumed it would create chaos in the classroom. However, in the class that I observed with the stability balls their seemed to be very little chaos. The students must have had a good understanding of the rules in regards to the stability balls and the consequences for using them inappropriately. Thanks for your input!
DeleteI have not personally seen the stability balls setup in the classroom, so I cannot comment on whether or not this will be a better option for you. However, once you are in your own personal classroom you will want to use something that works best for you depending on what your expectation are from your students. When I taught, I tried a variety of option from tables with 4 students at each table, desk without cubbies, and desk with cubbies. For my 4th through 6th grade students, I preferred the tables because it allows for more hands on activities and group activities take place without having to change the seating arrangements around. For my younger students I rather them in a desk to keep them focus on the task, but do allow for them to move about the classroom and get into groups for different activities. I also had bean bags, crates and stools for the students to use for individual silent reading time. The best setup for your classroom will be based solely on what you think is best for your students. What worked for me and many other teachers may not be best for you. I do know that the students love a variety so they can get up and move around.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that anyone can tell you how to set up your own classroom. I made the mistake of taking advice from one person and running with it. In the end it is up to the teacher and how she feels about the seating. Another factor that contributes to this is the classroom make up. Do the students show enough reserve to be able to handle alternative seating? Are the students mature enough to not play with the different types of seating? Can the students handle choosing their own seats instead of being assigned to one? All of these are questions that will arise and can only be answered by the teacher.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking from experience in Kindergarten, I have only used chairs at my tables. However, I am slowly transitioning to flexible seating in my classroom during the second half of the year. I think that students need to earn this right to sit wherever they choose and I think that students need the first part of the year to mature enough to be able to handle flexible seating. Flexible seating was something that I never thought I would try, but it has grown on me and I plan to implement it in my own classroom!