For many years, I have prided myself on meeting students’ various learning styles through my flexible instruction. Like many other educators, I have designed and revised my lessons to accommodate different learners and to help my students achieve their full potential. However, what I have found is that this is not enough. In order for my classroom to truly be student-centered, it also needs to adapt to the varying and ever-changing physical needs of my students.
I have always taught in a classroom where each student was assigned a desk and an upright chair. The philosophy was that when sitting straight at a desk, students are best able to focus and be productive. What I did not question until recently is why do I believe my students will be the best possible learners when conforming to a physical boundary that I personally find so limiting. When I am reading, I like to curl up tight and get lost in a chair, when I am writing, I like a wide flat surface before me, when my legs ache, I like to stretch out, when I feel restless, I like to bounce or rock, and when I want to converse with my peers, I like seek furniture or nooks that provide comfort and togetherness. My students are no different than I. Since my philosophy is truly student-centered and focused on teaching to the whole child, I am driven to empower my students to explore how they learn best. With our new redesigned learning space, I hope to give them the freedom to choose the physical modality that best meets their needs in a given moment, guide them in building self-awareness, and ultimately lead them in taking ownership of their learning. As, Kayla Delzer, a leading educator from North Dakota, states “If we truly want to prepare our students for the real world, we need to put them in responsive, dynamic environments that reflect life outside of a traditional classroom. And what’s that life outside like? Full of choices.”
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Have fun following our fabulous 4th grade journey! Important Dates
August 22nd- First Day!
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