Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Alternative Seating Options

My very exciting summer is over, and I am back in my classroom preparing to meet all of you! Some highlights for me: I got engaged, we had a family reunion in Indiana, and I am learning to build in Minecraft. I am happy to share more with you about all of these events as we get to know each other.

My daughter, Eva, and I spent several hours in Room 1 today arranging new seating options. Here are some of them:
Some rolling office chairs
and yoga balls


A few cozy chairs at the front of the room


A comfortable sitting area

I've been reading a lot this summer about student engagement. I want my classroom to be a place where students want to come. I want them to have choices and to feel comfortable. According to what I read, this helps kids focus better and encourages more authentic participation.

There are still traditional desk and chair options available for students who want or need that. Some kids will be more successful with this kind of structure. I, myself, am feeling a little bit anxious about trying this new thing, but I believe it will be a success and it's definitely worth giving it a shot.

Here are some links to articles and blogs that support this kind of seating:


Let me know if you have any questions.
Where do you think you would prefer sitting in Room 1?

18 comments:

  1. Wow, so many choices! Your classroom looks great. I am looking forward to a spectacular year.
    Ms. Farrar

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    Replies
    1. Thanks for visiting my Blog, Ms. Farrar! Visit my classroom anytime.

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  2. Hi Ms.Davis hope you are having a wonderful day I learned a lot about you just by reading your blog! I love your class so much because your seating options. I also like that you have those seating options like the desk for the kids who need it or feel more comfortable in a desk! Your class is just so AWESOME I hope that more teachers will do these seating options because by you doing this I made some new friends! Can't wait to see what this school year brings us go go BULLDOGS!!!
    -Natisha❤️

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  3. I'm glad you did that. I'm really happy sitting in a really comfortable chair.-Russell

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  4. Natisha and Russell, these seating options are created for you and your classmates. It's all about you!

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  5. We love the alternative seating. My son Gage thinks its really cool. I also think it's great for the kids and will help keep them engaged and interested. Desks can be so confining so we are excited they have so many options.

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    Replies
    1. Shana, I am thrilled to teach your son and all the other students this year. Thanks for your comment.

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  6. This made my day to see your inovative thinking and your willingness to think outside the box and encourage individuality that supports increased learning. I hope all the teachers are as open minded and welcoming to new ideas as you are. I can see my son Nolan finally thriving in your learning environment compared to his constant struggle in the past. Looking forward to an amazing school year!

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  7. I am very grateful that you took a lot of time reading and learning about engaging and encouraging students. I really like how you set up your classroom. It looks very welcoming and comfortable to learn. I look forward to learn lots of stuff from your classroom. I will be a great year!

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  8. I like how you thought of us and put comfortable seats in your classroom to help us learn!! ~Mariah

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  9. I love the seats! You're classroom is very creative and comfortable. I hope I will have a great year in your classroom.
    -Meranda

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  10. Hi Ms.Davis I learn alot on your blog!I Am glad I have you as a teacher. Hope we have an amazing year.
    -Erika

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  11. I like all your seating places, I would like to sit anywhere posible in the class room
    -MARGARITA

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  12. Hey! I just wanted you to know that i really like the seating and it makes more people want to come. You are a really fun teacher and I think everyone knows that already! Sorry if I get distracted in class sometimes but i try to keep myself on track. Well, I guess thats it! Bye!!!

    -Easton

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  13. I love the seating options you've chosen! They're so comfortable to sit on. I love the class, and I can't wait to continue reading "Wonder" it's such a good book so far. I'm also exicited to learn from you.
    -Yadira

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  14. This is the best class ever. The seats are awesome. The teacher is awesome. The only thing that could make this class better is, instead of carrying all the books, we should put it on electronics.
    -Ben

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  15. The new seating options are great I especially the secretary desk.
    Olivia

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  16. I Prefer Roblox over Minecraft. I prefer Roblox over Minecraft because it's more fun,
    sound effects are better and you can get better FPS on it. I think its more fun cause more people play Roblox. I like the sound effects better cause it's oof. Lastly you can get better FPS on Roblox which is good.

    ReplyDelete

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