Back to school for teachers is a little over a week away. It's my second chance to turn a traditional classroom into a non-traditional classroom. Well, I guess I've really been experimenting with non-traditional classrooms for years, but on a small scale. This year, phase two!
Just like last year, my room is set up differently than the traditional rows, which I think really only exist in a small number of classrooms really, or in small groups. Maybe rows should now be considered non-traditional! I once again have a couple of individual desks, a few sets a pairs, and groups of three and groups of four. I also have a round table that students can choose. That's new! But the really new thing is two of my desks have no legs! Well, actually their legs and the screws are safely tucked away. These two desks are in the front of the class and sit on a carpet. There are also two large round pillows that students may choose to use to sit on. I think the child who always wants to put his feet in the chair might just like the idea of there not being a chair.
In the back of my room, I raised the legs on two desks to their full height. These desks, although they will still have chairs or stools if I can find some the right height, are for the students who want to stand. Personal that drives me crazy, but it's not really about me. There are always those students who just want to stand, and this option gives them the chance to. Although I wish the desks could go higher, this is a good start. Maybe some day I can convince someone to purchase a couple of those desks for my room.
That's not all! I have two desks that are designated for exercise balls. I have seen students sit on a ball and it was surprisingly effective for them. I decided to give it a try. One of those desks are by themselves and another is in a group of four. Both desks are on the outside edge of the desk configuration. I might have non-traditional groupings, but I like a sense of balance, therefor the desks still fit into a structure of sorts.
The rest of the desks are at traditional heights and with plain old blue student chairs. So what happens if I find more students want to sit on the floor, or stand, or sit on a ball? Well, then I adjust the desks to fit them. I believe that students will learn best when they are physically comfortable. When I was in school, I remember more times than not being distracted because my butt had grown numb. Admit it so did yours!
Just like last year, students will pick their desks as they arrive each day, but I think this year I will start off the first couple of weeks with asking students to try each of the desk options, both the number of desks in a group or individual and the different type of seat. Once they have each gotten to try everything I'll know if I need to get the Allen Wrench out and go to work on any chair legs.
