Do you ever have those moments when your mind is moving a mile a minute? When your thoughts are flying so fast your fingers and feet start to follow suit? You tap or you wiggle in your seat to provide them a little more room to move but no matter what you do you cannot stop from fidgeting.
Too often people associate these high energy behaviours with some sort of negative attribute. However, it's not one type of student, or one type of kid who experiences this. It is all of us.
I remember organizing my pencil case in class or doodling in a journal when I was a young student. And now, 21st century learners have fidget toys and other small movement instrument for releasing a bit of energy in times of need. For many students a squishy toy or a spinner are all that is needed to maintain a bit of focus. For me, a Saje ring has become my quiet companion. Regardless of what it is, we all have something to help keep our minds on track.
The unfortunate thing is that although fidget toys can be extremely beneficial for many, they can also be taken advantage of by others. Thus, the more well options (fidget spinners, fidget squares) have been removed from many classrooms forcing students to find other ways to release the ants.
My current placement school has the answer: The Learning Lab.
Eight weeks ago I had never heard the term 'Learning Lab', however now I can't imagine teaching without it. The definition that I have become accustomed to is simple: a classroom with options.
My classroom has the bones of a seating plan but nothing is set in stone. My students have the option to sit at their seat or they have the option to stand at one of the four standing desks or cycle at one of the two stationary bike desk stations. They can choose a regular chair, a high stool, a dynamic stool or a rocking chair.
I understand how this style of classroom management may be challenged by those who believe in a strict seating plan but as we all know, our bodies and our brains need opportunities for releasing all of the thoughts and energy flying around. My current classroom allows for just that.
The students are far less likely to end up demonstrating disruptive behaviours during a lesson because they are able to manage their needs before the class has even begun.
The Learning Lab I am teaching in is great for intermediates, but there are other options for younger students as well. Free exercise balls or ball chairs, floor mats, bucket chairs, there are so many options for educators to choose from to suit the needs of their students.
There are constantly new buzz words and innovative concepts overwhelming the world of education. Learning Labs should definitely be one of the next.
Too often people associate these high energy behaviours with some sort of negative attribute. However, it's not one type of student, or one type of kid who experiences this. It is all of us.I remember organizing my pencil case in class or doodling in a journal when I was a young student. And now, 21st century learners have fidget toys and other small movement instrument for releasing a bit of energy in times of need. For many students a squishy toy or a spinner are all that is needed to maintain a bit of focus. For me, a Saje ring has become my quiet companion. Regardless of what it is, we all have something to help keep our minds on track.
The unfortunate thing is that although fidget toys can be extremely beneficial for many, they can also be taken advantage of by others. Thus, the more well options (fidget spinners, fidget squares) have been removed from many classrooms forcing students to find other ways to release the ants.
My current placement school has the answer: The Learning Lab.
Eight weeks ago I had never heard the term 'Learning Lab', however now I can't imagine teaching without it. The definition that I have become accustomed to is simple: a classroom with options.My classroom has the bones of a seating plan but nothing is set in stone. My students have the option to sit at their seat or they have the option to stand at one of the four standing desks or cycle at one of the two stationary bike desk stations. They can choose a regular chair, a high stool, a dynamic stool or a rocking chair.
I understand how this style of classroom management may be challenged by those who believe in a strict seating plan but as we all know, our bodies and our brains need opportunities for releasing all of the thoughts and energy flying around. My current classroom allows for just that.
The students are far less likely to end up demonstrating disruptive behaviours during a lesson because they are able to manage their needs before the class has even begun.
There are constantly new buzz words and innovative concepts overwhelming the world of education. Learning Labs should definitely be one of the next.
Comments
Post a Comment