There are many teachers who are starting to experiment with flexible seating for those learners who have a hard time sitting still. I applaud them for these efforts!
I recently read an article that came out in August, 2017 called: “Flexible learning: Mixing math and reading with stability balls and scoop rockers” by Erin Hinrichs. She talks about a 3rd grade teacher Tom Deris in Savage, Minnesota and the changes he is making in his classroom to help his fidgety learners.
I love his statement about the teacher-student connection: “It all comes down to relationships, probably more so than in a traditional classroom because they have to trust me and I have to trust them…..” It sounds so much like what Parker Palmer says in the The Courage to Teach. I quote him in my book.
Here are some quotes from the article to whet your appetite:
“All of these sensory seats are part of Deris’ years-long adoption of a flexible learning strategy. It’s one part physical, as in incorporating furniture that students can easily rearrange and channel their fidgety energy into.
It’s also one part philosophical. As a teacher, Deris has committed to adopting a more flexible mindset when it comes to seating arrangements. After he’s delivered instruction on new material to the whole group, he encourages students to choose for themselves how they want to do their work. Some will gather around a table to work collaboratively. Others will spread out across the classroom, and into the hallway where Deris has set up a lounge area with a couch, to work alone.”
Here is the link for this article: https://www.minnpost.com/education/2017/08/flexible-learning-mixing-math-and-reading-stability-balls-and-scoop-rockers
