We talk in classes a lot about providing students with different forms of seating. A lot of classrooms have "standing" tables and short tables where the children can sit on a rug with no chairs. We also talk about having a "quiet" corner where they can read with comfortable chairs or beanbags. I love the idea that the children have other option rather than just sitting in the plastic chairs. I have three students who stand to do their work all day long but we are constantly telling them to sit down "and get to work".
I would like to be able to tell the children they can sit on the rug to read or in a corner but I don't know how to teach that procedure for classroom management. Teachers who read my blog- how do you set up your room to provide alternative seating, and how do you teach those initial procedures???
-Miss Hansen
I have a one-legged stool, a tall table, a legless table, pillows, small library chairs, a little rocking chair & the usual tables with plastic chairs, and either little rugs (montessori) or hoops for defining space on the floor. Plus, there's always room to crawl under a table to work.
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to change the room in the middle of the year, allow plenty of time for everyone to take a turn at everything!
I start the year with everything in place, and with the expectation that everyone will work where they are comfortable. Many like to read on the floor, but most like to write at a table.
When it comes to management, I think the key is the understanding that these options aren't going to go away - it's not a treat that will never come around again if they miss a turn today.
Usually, the class sits on the floor at my easel for a demonstration or lesson, and I dismiss them a few at a time to go to guided practice or independent practice around the room. Mixing up how they are dismissed ensures that there are equitable opportunities to get first choice at a spot to work. (if your shirt has stripes... if your shoes have velcro...)
They come back together for a debrief, and for other demos or lessons, and then are dismissed again, so they have multiple chances to pick first every day - it means a lot less stress about getting a turn in the rocking chair, and within a few weeks they will gravitate to what they actually NEED to work successfully.
The kid that needs to wiggle chooses the one legged stool every day - no one else wants it because it is only comfortable if you really need it. The ones that need quiet spaces create little corners under the desk in the corner. Sprawlers end up on the floor, and those that are more comfortable go to sit in the plastic chairs - not cause I send them there, but because they choose to. It makes all the difference in the world, and I don't have to manage it at all.
You can do it Allie! They deserve to work where they are comfortable - and they will do better!!
Do you do this in your intercity school? I feel like the kids would be crazy but I think it would be so great.
ReplyDeleteWe have desks so they put their notebooks and folders inside of them. How do you do that? Also where do you have your pencils and scissors and such?
I have baskets for science notebooks, baskets for writing folders, individual boxes of independent reading books, etc..around the room on shelves... they go get what they need and take it to where they want to work. Pencils are in pencil cups on tables... other materials are on the art shelves, and they get what they need when they need it.
ReplyDeleteI think movement is really important for primary students, and it helps them to engage when they feel they have some control, choice and opportunity to move around.
Yes, this is at my school in Aurora. The kids really aren't any different in nature from the kids in Parker - so my expectations for handling freedom within limits aren't any different. All children everywhere will strive to rise to the level of expectation they are afforded...so expect a lot!!
I will take some pictures and post them on your FB next week!
I would love pictures! Do you have school the Wed before Thanksgiving??
ReplyDelete