Trends and Band Wagons

I'm a good one to jump on a trend or band wagon.

When I read about something that sounds interesting or good for my classroom, I jump right in.

Sometimes I am concerned that I do it right. Sometimes I just do what I think is right for me.

Lately I've been reading about flexible seating in the FB group I belong to. And teachers are wondering what seating options they need to buy in order to do it.

Here's what I think:

Flexible seating is a mindset, not a set of seating options.

When I started to change my classroom, it started with adding some standing desks (by cutting PVC pipes to add as extenders to the desk leg). Why did I do it? Because I had some wiggly first graders that needed the option of standing to work, and this was an easy way to meet their needs.

Later I added cube chairs and Hokki stools (both funded by Donor's Choose), because I saw these on blogs.

At first I thought I needed them (chairs and stools) in order to say that I am using flexible seating. But the more years I am in the classroom, watching students choose the seats, I see that it is more than equipment.

Flexible seating is a mindset, not a set of seating options.

The last two years I have been immersed in Trauma Sensitive practices. But it wasn't until April that I read in Fostering Resilient Learners that some kids NEED a home base in the classroom. 

(Yes, I am mashing three ideas together: no desks, flexible seating and no assigned seating, and I feel like I can, because I have done all of it.)

Actually, that was a relief to me. I had dabbled in no assigned seats, taught kids how to choose, but it was just never smooth or good. Perhaps it was me and my need for order, perhaps it was the kids and their need for a home base.

As I plan and prepare for another school year, I am so hopeful.

**We will start with assigned seats. And reassess as the year moves forward.

**We will have options for seating as I recognize who needs what and try out choices.

What is a flexible seating mindset?

Be open to the non-conventional. Be able to recognize that each student may learn best using something other than the standard chair and desk. Try out some options. Some work for a bit, and then need to be switched. Be open to changes. Be open to growth and that preferences may change over time.

If you decide to adopt a flexible seating mindset, good luck and best wishes; and I'd be happy to hear about your journey with flexible seating!!!

Commitments

Dedication to a cause.

Dr. Becky Bailey says that when we say our commitments out loud to someone we are more likely to follow through. And since I have finished rereading and note-taking Creating the School Family, it is time for me to make some commitments for the coming school year.

**Create a friends and family book (or board)

**Take photos of all the grown ups that work with the kindergarteners inside and outside of our classroom. These photos will be "working" photos--"time to go to music, see the picture of Mrs. Tucker, she will be your teacher." Or, "You are bleeding, this is Nurse Holly, go see her in her office."

**Visuals. Carry my good camera with me all the time at the beginning of the year to get photos of students in line in the hallway, or in the lunch room, and stage photo ops of using the restroom, getting a drink, and every other time/situation that is chaotic in our classroom or school. (Perhaps scour TpT for resources, or learn how to make them myself... Any takers to teach me how to do this?)

This resource from The Primary Party would be perfect! Visual Direction Cards

**Use images of what I WANT students to do

**Train my eyes to see a misbehavior as a call for help. Help by teaching skills. (Use self-talk to remind myself that when a student does not know the name of a letter, I do not get frustrated, I reteach and offer opportunities to practice. The same goes for social skills-teach and offer time to practice.)

**Refine my start of the day routine. Make sure that all four parts (unite, disengage stress, connect, and commit) are included each day. May even do this between subjects or after lunch/specials.

And a reminder from Dr. Becky Bailey:

Compassion seeks to uncover similarities, embraces differences, and is based on shared power.

I wish us all well: the teachers who are resting/reading/planning/collaborating; the families who are doing the best they can and want the best teachers for their kids; and anyone else who in some way supports the education of the adults of our future.

These clouds.

On my walk this afternoon I was struck by the beauty of these clouds. They were even better in real life.

Adventure Time

Today is a holiday and I wanted an adventure.

So I created a day full of fun and learning.

Thankfully my friend and her kids were up for this as well and we took off on our adventure!

This air-conditioned bus took us on an amazing 1.5 hour guided tour through part of the tallgrass preserve.

We were so excited to see the tiny dark spots through the window. Were they buffalo???

Our bus driver/tour guide/park ranger stopped and let us out to see a buffalo, up close!

At our second stop, Mr. Park Ranger was saying so many things that I wanted to remember, so I pulled out my phone and started the notes. As I was finishing, my friend says--"are you taking notes?" Of course. ;-)

As we stood at this point (the highest in the 11,000 acres), feeling the wind (thank goodness since it was nearly 95 degrees), Mr. Ranger reminded me about the name Kansas. It comes from the native people, the Kansa. The People of the Southwind. 

See off in the distance, a faint line where the sky meets the land? He said that it is about 15 miles away! So cool.

He talked non-stop. I loved it!  So much information. He really knows the prairie and used that knowledge to remind us that we need to take care of the earth.

And when the bus tour was over, we toured the historic limestone house.

When this house was built, Mr. Jones spent $25,000 on it. These are the steps from the front door looking up.

To the left is a sitting room.

To the right, another sitting room.

I would love to take my students here for a field trip!!!

When you are in Kansas, I would be happy to meet you at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, take a bus tour, hike around, fish, tour the house and barn and share the views with you.

It was a fantastic day and we cannot wait to have another adventure together.