Our school went under construction to come into compliance about one and half years ago. Last June I had to leave for the summer with my room boxed up and ready to move. I began this school year in a portable. After about a month I began counting the days until I could move back into my classroom. I want kids to learn. Not all kids learn the same way. Most kids when they arrive at my door have had unsuccessful school experiences and I make it my challenge to change their perspective on school. My students have long since been able to choose how they work, but it was limited to standing or sitting. I didn't know it at the time, but this was my first step into flexible seating. On Twitter one evening last November, I came across and EdSurge article written by Kayla Delzer on her classroom setup. (https://goo.gl/1Hrlrd) I read it. Then I read it again. I kept revisiting it until I knew I had to do something similar in my own classroom. I started researching and pricing out different seating options. I took inventory of what was already in my room that could be converted or repurposed. I also talked to my students about how they like to learn. What would be the point of a standing desk, if nobody preferred standing? I also talked to my principal who loved the idea and told me to follow my passion. In December I began ordering, moved back into my room and started set-up. Throughout January I rearranged and swapped out some things and I'm sure I will continue to do so, but it has transformed into a magnificent learning environment that my students are truly enjoying and benefitting from. Work Areas:Students have tested out all the areas, and are learning what seating works best for them. They also know that I reserve the right to change their seat if I can tell the seat is not benefitting their learning. It is fun to watch them develop learning to learn skills! But where do they keep their supplies?Each table work area has a caddy on it that contains pencils, erasers, crayons and glue sticks. For safety concerns we do not keep scissors out and accessible. The students have two areas where they keep their own materials. They have a fabric cubby that they keep silent reading books, projects, headphones, and other larger items. They also have a magazine holder and binder that they keep papers, math workbooks and writing journals in. SuppliesWhen I moved back into my room, I was one entire tall built-in cabinet short. It had been removed during bond work and wasn't coming back. I know other primary elementary teachers can relate, but one cabinet makes a huge difference! Due to this change I had to add some bookcases and have more supplies out then I would really like. This is a work in progress and will evolve I am sure. Since I teach K, 1, 2, and 3 I need have many resources at my disposal. Free ChoicePart of our behavioral program includes students taking free choice breaks. I used to do this in an open area and students could choose anything from the area. When I moved back into my room I decided to change that up to a more structured format for my younger students. I have three tables set up and each week I change the choices at the tables. Choices can include: Legos, trains, games, coding (Beebot, code.org, etc.), puzzles, play dough, etc. A few years ago my dad and I made crate seats and this is the seating that I am using at the three free choice tables. Let me know if you have any questions or would like pictures of anything else in my room. I would be happy to add to this post!
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Ventura County Teacher of the Year 2016.
On a journey: Special Ed Teacher, Mentor, EdTech Advocate, Book Nerd, Knitter, Risk Taker, LA Kings Fan, #Whole30 lover, #SVTChat, GCE Level 1, Daring Greatly Categories
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