I call my carpet, a 'learning carpet'. When they get to the carpet, automatically they know it's time to listen and learn. It's also not considered as "strict" a learning environment as a desk/table. Most times, I join them on the carpet, and we lay on our tummies and engage in good discussions of our text. During independent work times they choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently my students are choosing to work in a variety of locations in our room such as: under tables with whiteboards, or laying on the floor. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. I have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating. They almost always make good choices about where they sit, are more engaged, and get more work completed than when they are just sitting at their desk.
I also encourage active movement, that other than transition times or PE, they might not get.
The STEM kits, modeling clay, jump ropes, and other outdoor games will make for a happy and energized classroom. We need to move inside the classroom and have opportunities for brain breaks outside. The brain loves movement and novelty and these items will do the trick.
I have seen how choice can positively affect my students work and demeanor and hope that the additional options will help us grow even even more!
About my class
I call my carpet, a 'learning carpet'. When they get to the carpet, automatically they know it's time to listen and learn. It's also not considered as "strict" a learning environment as a desk/table. Most times, I join them on the carpet, and we lay on our tummies and engage in good discussions of our text. During independent work times they choose a location in the classroom that works for them. Currently my students are choosing to work in a variety of locations in our room such as: under tables with whiteboards, or laying on the floor. Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them. I have noticed amazing differences in my students when they are given a choice in their seating. They almost always make good choices about where they sit, are more engaged, and get more work completed than when they are just sitting at their desk.
I also encourage active movement, that other than transition times or PE, they might not get.
The STEM kits, modeling clay, jump ropes, and other outdoor games will make for a happy and energized classroom. We need to move inside the classroom and have opportunities for brain breaks outside. The brain loves movement and novelty and these items will do the trick.
I have seen how choice can positively affect my students work and demeanor and hope that the additional options will help us grow even even more!
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