A. I wanted to try something new this year...Let me restart...It all started last year when I was told I was going to move classrooms. I packed up everything and was ready to move. I then got the phone call minutes before I started moving stuff that I was going to be staying in my class. I was relieved because moving stuff was going to be time consuming but my new classroom would be bigger!! I was looking forward to that so much!!! I have thought of many different ways to consolidate space in my class. What I have come up with is to get rid of the desks and put in tables for two. The kids could collaborate and have active learning! My principal told me to hold on she will see what she can do but I'm not holding my breathe. I have looked up plans to make my own tables. The video I chose today is about seating and for a 21st century classroom we need to accommodate for the movement that we expect our kids to make. If you look at all the big tech companies or even think about the 4c's. One has to consider the setup of the room. Students have to have the freedom to move around and to think and process. Also, collaboration, it is crucial to have the room set up to collaborate. B. In the video (the link is at the bottom) the teacher shares how he read a post from someone about how students should not use flexible seating and should "stick to desk and chair" teaching. He then precedes to show us his extremely large classroom (jealous) with all of the multiple types of seating arrangements. He then told and showed us his newest type of seating he acquired some sleds that he let the kids sit on. Where he did not share a lesson this video was a good example of the concept of flexible seating in a classroom. C. I learned that first off the concept of flexible seating comes from the thought of turning ones class into a 21st century classroom. I also, had confirmed my own thoughts that wanting to streamline my classroom the way I did is not far off from successful teaching practices. I saw interesting ways to use space in the classroom. D. Could I use this lesson? Absolutely! In fact I do in certain ways. I don't have the space that he does but my class is set up in groups where that does allow for talking this is the reason I set it up that way. You always have your team to support you. I also don't have a seating chart so there is flexibility for kids to move around the room. It is funny though that kids generally sit in the same seats though. I wonder if that is leftover residue from always having assigned seats or kids desire the consistency. I give this video a 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3p-_cm77SM
2 Comments
Elaina Michalski
10/10/2016 12:24:48 am
Hi Adam, I think you nailed it when describing the feelings of both a classroom move as well as a classroom-stay :) It can definitely be therapeutic to move classes, if only to purge years and years worth of accumulated "stuff". I'm still cleaning out filing cabinets of student work from 3 years ago! Ha!! But yes, seating charts... the age old question... And limited space for 30+ desks (or sleds in this case) makes it even more challenging. It seems like there's been a lot of positive press lately around downsizing (small 100 sq. ft. homes, etc), the classroom is definitely a great place to start and get creative. I know you're teaching English, but it could be fun to get the kids involved in creating a seating solution. Maybe like one of the LSAT logic games (eg: If A has to sit by B, but C only wears purple socks... Where does the circle go? Haha) If nothing else, it will work out their energy moving desks around. Flexible seating is a wonderful way for students to express themselves, meet their sensory needs, and also allow them to have some responsibility and ownership in the classroom. Keep us updated on how it goes!
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zack
10/10/2016 07:17:49 pm
I've seen the use of this tool as well in my classes. I also like it for it's SEL component of promoting personal agency to adjust your seating as meets you or your groups needs. I've seen some overlap between student seating and the therapeutic concept of rhythmic repetitive movement; which is a natural human soother. Some kids who have trouble staying still or focusing, focus better when they sit on an exercise ball, they can then move and self-sooth from the bouncing action. And I also agree, the seating chart is essential, you have to have some standard form you adapt from..
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Adam
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