When I first heard about flexible seating, I was skeptical. To me, it seemed like a great way to distract kids and clutter up my room. Boy, was I wrong! Flexible seating is just that - flexible. It is another way of differentiating to meet the needs of your students. It is particularly useful for students who are incredibly restless and are constantly fidgeting.
In my classroom, I have developed a love for wobble stools, regular stools, yoga balls, scoop chairs, desks and the floor. (Click the hyperlinked words to see where you can purchase each type of seat). Desks and the floor are a completely free and easy type of flexible seating. I use this method of flexible seating for every student. During independent work time, I will allow students to sit on their desks and sit or lie down on the floor. It is quite helpful to provide students with a clipboard during the use of this type of flexible seating. I have a few students who need the benefits of flexible seating all of the time. For these students, I assigned a specific seat that meets their needs, without distracting them. When I first started this strategy, I only had enough special flexible seating for the kids who really needed it. The other children were not thrilled about this and complained that it was unfair. Soon, I acquired a few more special seats, only four to be exact. Each day, four different kids get a turn with the additional special seats. This has generated excitement and put an end to the complaints of injustice. I found that the most fair way to distribute seats daily is by cycling through the class roster alphabetically. This way, each child gets a turn with a special seat each week. You could also use the special seats as a reward. If you are questioning the benefits of flexible seating, take a chance and give it a try. I promise you won't be sorry!
17 Comments
Falling In by Frances O'roark Dowell (2010) - Fantasy
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 4 and above, on at least a 4th grade reading level. Summary Falling In tells the adventures of Isabelle Bean. She is a 6th grader who just cannot seem to fit in with her peers. The girls and boys around her are not interested in her friends and think that she is "strange." Even her mother tells her that she is an awfully strange kid. Isabelle accepts that she is different, but sometimes it gets pretty lonely. All of this changes when she enters a whole new world and makes a friend for the first time in a long time. For some reason, this new world feels like home, like she belongs and could stay there forever. She soon learns why she feels so comfortable in the new environment when she meets a stranger who becomes a friend. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use Isabelle struggles with personal issues both in school and at home. Isabelle deals with the same issues that almost all adolescents deal with throughout their development. The main issue that she deals with is feeling like an outsider. As adolescents read and empathize with this book, they can escape their personal troubles and in doing so, observe how people can evolve to deal with such troubles. Additionally, the book demonstrates how adolescents can make friends and maintain friendships. Aspects of Quality Fantasy Fantasy refers to stories that include elements that the author has created outside the realm of possibility. Isabelle's adventure into another dimension acts as the realm outside of the possibility. The rest of the novel is believable and well-rounded with well-developed characters, a cohesive plot, and thought-provoking themes. Because of these characteristics, Falling In is as characterized magical realism. It can also be characterized as high fantasy. High fantasy is set in an imagined world, where the protagonist is involved in an all-consuming quest that concerns the existence of the imagined world. The author develops the imagined world the same way they would with a realistic world. It must have a history, population, location, customs, and traditions. In Falling In, the other dimension is the imagined world and Isabelle takes on the quest to help the characters in the other world. Throughout her adventure, Isabelle introduces the reader to what the other world is like and to the many characters who inhabit it. Aspects of Quality Fiction
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching This book can be extended to relate to topics in social studies. While reading this book, the students could learn about the history of suspicion of witches throughout different societies. Additionally, it could be extended to a discussion in science. The story discusses topics related to natural remedies and scientific medicine. Students can research both and societies that practice each to compare the two. This book is great for social learning and developing empathy as students can relate to Isabelle's struggles with friendship, belonging, and school. Resources for Classroom Use
To End All Wars by Ernest Gordon (2002) - Non-Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 8 and above, on at least an 8th grade reading level. Summary Ernest Gordon, a Scottish soldier who fought in World War II, recounts his first-hand experiences as a prisoner of war in multiple Japanese internment camps throughout his book, To End All Wars. Throughout the text, Gordon describes the brutal treatment that he and many others endured throughout their imprisonment. The recollections involve stories of inhumane treatment, torture and internationally illegal practices committed against members of the Allied powers and Asian civilians who did not support the Axis Powers. Gordon did not allow his physical and mental mistreatment and subsequent illnesses to break his mind or spirit. Rather than break under the stress of being a POW, Gordon focused on the kindness of his fellow prisoners and the guiding hand of a loving Christian God. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use It is critical that adolescents begin to develop an understanding of how and why their society is the way it is. By learning history and reading books like To End All Wars, the students are able to develop and refine such an understanding. Additionally, this piece is incredibly impactful for teaching empathy to adolescents. Gordon not only survives throughout his hellish experience, he is determined to thrive. He does so by developing empathy for everyone around him, including his enemies. This allows him to forgive and move on with his life. Ernest Gordon acts as an extremely powerful hero for students to admire. Aspects of Quality Non-Fiction Type of Informational Book
This is a non-fiction text that reads like a novel. Because of this, it includes aspects that students are familiar with through fictional literature. Hopefully, these characteristics make it an easier read for students than a typical textbook. As the text teaches the students facts and reinforces important historical concepts, it also allows the students to engage by relating to real characters, real problems, and real solutions. The variety of features the text lends help the text to be adapted for classroom use to interest more than just history buffs and WWII fanatics.
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching The nature of this text naturally lends itself to aiding in the teaching of history. This text is especially powerful to include when teaching WWII because Japanese internment are an overlooked part of WWII. The main focus of WWII teachings is the Holocaust, leaving the the gruesome and harsh war of the Pacific widely unknown by today's students. Additional Resources for TeachingThe Book Jumper by Mechthild Glaser (2015) - Fantasy
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 8 and above, on at least an 8th grade reading level. Summary The Book Jumper tells the story of Amy Lennox's adventures. After dealing with some trouble in Germany, Amy and her mother, Alexis, return to their family estate in Scotland. Upon her arrival, Amy learns she has a very special gift. She is a book jumper, this means that she can enter the world of literature and interact with the stories in a nontraditional sense. As Amy starts to use her gift to learn more about literature and the tradition of her family, she finds that something is very wrong in the Book World, essential elements of stories are disappearing. She is determined to put a stop to it and enlists the help of her new friend, Will. Along the way, Amy and Will are faced with many troubles and surprises, but they are determined to save the book world, no matter what. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use Although The Book Jumper is a piece of fantasy literature, it still has many real-life elements. The story focuses on conflicts with family and friends, growing up, and falling in love. All of these aspects are pertinent to the adolescent classroom, as they are the same issues that students are facing. The book is also relevant for adolescents and the classroom because the main character, Amy, loves to read and makes it sound and feel very interesting. This can help students to develop a love for reading that promotes reading for enjoyment and better fluency. Aspects of Quality Fantasy Fantasy refers to stories that include elements that the author has created outside the realm of possibility. Amy's ability to jump into the world of literature is the created element in The Book Jumper. The rest of the novel is believable and well-rounded with well-developed characters, a cohesive plot, and thought-provoking themes. Because of these characteristics, The Book Jumper is characterized magical realism. It can also be characterized as high fantasy. High fantasy is set in an imagined world, where the protagonist is involved in an all-consuming quest that concerns that existence of the imagined world. The author develops the imagined world the same way they would with a realistic world. It must have a history, population, location, customs, and traditions. In The Book Jumper, the book world is the imagined world and Amy takes on the quest to catch the thief and save literature. Throughout her adventure, Amy introduces the reader to what the book world is like and to the many characters who inhabit it. Aspects of Quality Fiction
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching This book can be extended to relate to topics in social studies. While reading this book, the students could learn about the geography of Europe. They could learn about the physical and human differences within the countries mentioned in the text and compare them to the place that they live. Additionally, students could learn about the history of the literature included in the novel, to learn about the the decades in which they were written and the writers. Additionally, it could be extended to a discussion in science. Students could discuss the weather of the region that the characters are in. Additionally, students could have a very simplistic discussion about why the book is fantasy and relate it to what they know about the nature world.
Out of the Easy by Ruta Sepetys (2013) - Historical Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 8 and above, on at least an 8th grade reading level. Teachers should be aware of the sensitive topics, such as prostitution and vice, used within this text. Summary Out of the Easy is the story of Josie Moraine, a teenage girl who is trying find herself and create the life she deserves. Growing up, Josie faces many struggles on her own. Her mother is a careless prostitute in the Quarter of New Orleans in the Post World War I era, who left Josie to fend for herself at age 12. Throughout the years, Josie finds herself acquiring a new loving family who offer endless support. Throughout the story, Josie faces many challenges that come close to breaking her and her mission to get out of the Quarter, but her support system and her wit prove to be enough to carry her away from it all. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use Out of the Easy brings attention to difficult issues that many students face day to day. First and foremost, is the issue of a lack of parental support. Many students in 2019 face the same reality, whether their parents are in the picture or not. This story helps students see that they have lots of people who care for and advocate for them, even if their parents may not. Additionally, Josie's stories help students see that they do not have to follow in their parent's footsteps and can succeed although it may seem against the odds. The book also sheds light on the topic of prostitution with tack. This book can help students to better understand the events that occurred throughout history in certain areas by learning more about the prevalence of prostitution throughout time. Additionally, this opens a floor to discuss larger topics, such as modern day slavery and sex trafficking. Although these topics may seem overly-mature for students, it is important that they are aware of the serious issues that happen to countless people daily. This allows them to be more aware for their own safety and the safety of others. Aspects of Quality Historical Fiction Out of the Easy proves to be a quality piece of historical fiction.
Aspects of Quality Fiction
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching This book can be extended to relate to topics in social studies, such as geography, history, and economics. Students can learn about the geographical, social, and economical differences both in the time of the 1950's and how they compare with 2019. This story also allows for discussion of the history of prejudice against people who were not black. This book can have the most impact while teaching life skills and real life lessons. This book offers the perfect opportunity to discuss big issues that students are facing. In learning about and discussing topics such as modern slavery and sex trafficking, students can grow personally and academically. Addition Resources for Teaching
Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson (2018) - Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 8 and above, on at least an 8th grade reading level. Teachers should be aware of the use of crude language and sensitive topics used within this text. Summary Monday's Not Coming tells the story of Monday Charles' disappearance. After Monday disappears, only her best friend, Claudia, seems to notice that she is gone. Immediately upon noticing, Claudia is worried because Monday would never just ignore her. She decides to start investigating what happened to her sister-like best friend. While Claudia searches for Monday, she discovers some truths that stun her about the past. One truth leaves her the most disturbed, leaving her whole world turned upside down. With Monday gone, will Claudia ever be the same again? This text is loosely based off of true events. Watch the video of Tiffany D. Jackson below to learn more. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use This book was written to bring attention to the unfair treatment that missing black children receive. Throughout the text, Jackson covers many serious and heavy topics that are important to discuss with adolescents. Although these topics may be hard to discuss, they are the issues that many students are living with and facing daily. By discussing hard topics, teachers can help students understand that if they are facing struggles, they are not alone. Additionally, they can give them resources to help students deal with and overcome their troubles. Students in their adolescence are starting to develop the want to truly impact others and are looking for a cause to support. Reading books like this will help students who have not directly been affected by the present issues learn about the struggles of others. In doing so, teachers are exposing them to causes that they can help to mend and prevent. This can also help students to develop a better sense of empathy and understanding. Aspects of Quality Fiction
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching This book can be extended to relate to topics in social studies, such as geography, history, and economics. Students can learn about the geographical, social, and economical differences in different districts of an area and the history of prejudice against minorities. This book can have the most impact while teaching life skills and real life lessons. This book offers the perfect opportunity to discuss big issues that students are facing. In learning about and discussing such topics, students can grow personally and academically. Resources to Extend Learning
Bonus Info:
I used Smore to create the additional resources section. This tool allows you to create online newsletters for FREE. I highly recommend checking it out. It is incredibly easy to use and creates professional looking products. The Making of America: Alexander Hamilton by Terri Kanefield (2017) - Non-Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 5 and above, on at least a 5th grade reading level. Summary The Making of America: Alexander Hamilton tells the story of Hamilton's life. Hamilton's modest roots and difficult childhood did not keep him from becoming a national treasure. This book delves into the struggles that Hamilton conquered throughout his lifetime to become the well-known historical figure he is today. He harnessed his work ethic, intelligence, and interpersonal skills to rise from an illegitimate child to a prominent American politician in the creation of the United States. He was a manager of trade, a soldier, a student, and a guiding force in the development of the America that exists today. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use It is critical that adolescents begin to develop an understanding of how and why their society is the way it is. By learning history and reading books like The Making of America: Alexander Hamilton, the students are able to develop and refine such an understanding. For students who are ready for an additional challenge in thinking, they can think about what life would look like if America would not have adopted many of Hamilton's policies, like a national bank and the American dollar. This book would be especially intriguing for students in 2019, since there is a current trend centered on the life of Alexander Hamilton. Aspects of Quality Non-Fiction Type of Informational Book
Similar to the book in my last post, this is a non-fiction text that reads like a novel. Because of this, it includes aspects that students are familiar with through fictional literature. Hopefully, these characteristics make it an easier read for students than a typical textbook. As the text teaches the students facts and reinforces important historical concepts, it also allows the students to engage by relating to real characters, real problems, and real solutions. The variety of features the text lends help the text to be adapted for classroom use to interest more than just history buffs and Hamilton fans.
Teaching Techniques
The nature of this text naturally lends itself to aiding in the teaching of history. This text could relate to topics in history such as the American Revolution, development of government, comparison of political ideals, and primary source document analysis. It could be used to discuss citizenship. As the students read about the laws that were being debated and the personalities of the founding fathers, they can discuss what a good citizen looked like at the creation of our country and compare it to what a good citizen looks like in 2019. Undefeated by Steve Sheinkin (2017) - Non-Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 7 and above, on at least a 7th grade reading level. Because of the nature of this text it would be best for football lovers. Summary Undefeated is a nonfiction telling of the story about the Carlisle football team, its influence on the development of football as it is known today, and the American Indian Athlete they produced, Jim Thorpe. The book predominantly focuses on the evolution of the Carlisle school and its relation to sports. The underdog football teams grew from a school that thought football should be avoided. After years of practices and good coaching, the team became known by all. The book contributes much of the success of the development to Carlisle's sports coach Pop Warner. Although the book also highlights stories of other athletes and historical figures, it focuses most on the star athlete that started at Carlisle, Jim Thorpe. Relevance to Adolescents and Reality of Classroom Use Students who are interested in both football and history will love this book. It gives very specific details about the game, teams, and players. This is the same reason that I think many students will not engage with this book. I found myself struggling to get through large portions of this book because I am not interested in football, while, I had a friend who sat down and read it in one sitting. Because of this, if you use this book with the entire class, it is crucial that you intentionally pull out other aspects that relate to the adolescent and young adult tendency to empathize with others. Students can focus more on the affects events in the book had on the people, rather than focusing on the dates, teams, and development of the game. A few themes that students could focus on are listed below. Aspects of Quality Non-Fiction Type of Informational Book
Similarities to Fiction Although this is a non-fiction text, it includes aspects that students are familiar with through fictional literature. Because this book has some of the elements with which students are already well-acquainted in fiction, it should be an easier read than a typical textbook. As the text teaches the students facts and reinforces important historical concepts, it also allows the students to engage by relating to real characters, real problems, and real solutions. This variety the text lends helps the text to be adaptable for classroom use to interest more than just sports fans.
Teaching Techniques
Interdisciplinary Teaching The nature of this text naturally lends itself to aiding in the teaching of history. This text could relate to topics in history such as American expansion and the removal of Natives, oppression, assimilation of the "other," differences and development in schooling, segregation, and others. In the literacy classroom, mini lessons on these topics could accompany the reading of this text. In a history class, students could read the entire book as an additional learning source, or the teacher could select particular passages to reinforce topics the class is learning about. Because this text is a historical non-fiction piece, it does not naturally lend itself to blend with science. However, while reading and coming across topics such as injury or illness, students could explore why the characters were encountering these issues. For older students, they could relate the development of football in the text to the physics principles present in the game. Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk (2017) - Historical Fiction
Target Audience This text would be appropriate for students in grades 5-8, who are on at least a 5th grade reading level. Summary Beyond the Bright Sea follows the journey of young Crow, as she tries to figure out where she came from and how she fits in. After being abandoned at birth, Osh found her and raised her as his own child on the Elizabeth Islands in Massachusetts. However, at age 12, Crow begins to ask about her real parents and where she was born. These questions lead to an adventure that Crow and Osh never expected. Their lives in the isolated island are turned upside down as Crow uncovers more about herself. Ultimately, the struggles throughout the journey allow Crow to come to terms with the life she was given. Aspects of Quality Historical Fiction Beyond the Bright Sea proves to be a quality piece of historical fiction.
Features of Quality Fiction
Themes & Relation to Students Growing Up/Adolescence This text shows the evolution of Crow as she ages. As a young child, she is happy with the life she leads; living with Osh demonstrates the bliss of the unknown. However, within the coming years, the unknown drives her to discover more about herself. This coming of age particularly focuses on the struggles that emerge as Crow reaches adolescence. Every student in the adolescent years questions who they are. As they read this book, they can relate to Crows internal conflicts and know that they are not alone in the struggle. Throughout the book, Crow makes good and poor decisions to combat her problems and the adults in the text respond appropriately, this allows the students to gain perspective as to how they may positive resolve their own problems. Beauty of Simplicity Lauren Wolk emphasizes the beauty of simplicity as she describes the island life that acts as the setting of the text. She uses poetic language to describe the setting and the scenery throughout the novel. She also juxtaposes the simplicity of the island with the confusing complexity of the greater city beyond the islands. Middle school is the time that students are most consumed with peer pressure. They are aware of what others have and what they do not have. By exposing tweens to stories about people who are more than happy with what they have, you are allowing them the experience to learn that they can be happy with what they already have. Knowledge vs. Ignorance This book makes the reader question whether ignorance is bliss, as they follow Crows discovery of information. In the beginning she is ignorant of where she came from and why others seem to isolate her. As the story unfolds, she begins to discover answers to the questions and it leaves her questioning her current situation. Adolescents are naturally curious and are looking for the answers to all of their questions. However, finding the answers to these questions may not always be best for them. By reading through this text, the students can be exposed to the idea that there is a time where you should stop looking for answers. Family This text is riddled with themes of family, both biologically and not. In the beginning of the story focuses of the family that found Crow, Osh and Miss Maggie. The love that they pour onto Crow shows that family members are not always the people with which you share blood. Later in the narrative, Crow learns more about her biological family and the love they gave, without ever even knowing her well. These events lead crow to have a much broader understanding of what it really means to be a family. At a point where students are so focused on spending time with their peers and friends, it can be positive to remind them that they can have positive relationships with the members of their family. This book is a great example of the power that a positive relationship with a family member can have on a child. Love and Sacrifice This story is driven by the idea of love and sacrifice. Crow learns that her birth parents loved her so much that they sacrificed everything that they possibly could, so that maybe one day she could live a good life. Crow also becomes more aware of the daily sacrifices that Osh makes to keep her safe and happy. Often, adolescents are focused on all of the things that they and their family do not have. By exposing students to a text like this, you can show them that they can be happy with what they have and they should appreciate all that their parents and loved ones do for them. This can help them to see that they should focus on all they the blessings that they already have. Illness This novel shows the toll an illness can have on a family and how family members are able to deal with the consequences of such. As leprosy ravaged many families, they were torn apart and left broken. Crow's adventure shows how these experiences can be handled, including both good and bad examples. Adolescents are at an age where they are beginning to really understand illness and its consequences. However, they do not possess the skills to fully possess the emotions that accompany such illness and death. By reading a book that involves such loss, you can open a dialogue with the student to help scaffold them to understanding how to deal with such tragedy. Relevance to Adolescents The themes throughout this novel naturally lend themselves to an adolescent audience. As students struggle through their journey growing up, they can see themselves in Crow. Although many of the physical challenges Crow encounters are farfetched, the mental struggles she endures can be true for anyone reading the book. Because of this tendency, students reading this book can see themselves in the main character and evaluate how she handles her problems to gain experience for how they should best handle their own issues. Teaching Techniques Critical Reading While reading, you can have students analyze author's craft with critical reading. Have them look for and track things like:
With this text, you could start with a mini lesson focus on characterization. As the students are reading through the text they can be looking for characteristics of a specific character (i.e. Crow, Osh, Mr. Sloan, Miss Maggie, etc). For closure, the students could conduct a student lead discussion in groups about each character and their developing character. Writing Workshop After reading the story, the students could write a personal essay about a time that they questioned their identity. This would allow them to reflect on the text and relate it to their own lives, to make the learning personal. Artistic Extension After reading the book, the students could create an artistic interpretation of an aspect of the story - something like a drawing of a map of the islands, a model of what they thought the cabins looked like, a scrapbook of the story, a painting of what they thought Osh's art looked like, or a drawing of one of the characters. Interdisciplinary Teaching History
Yaqui Delgado Wants to Kick Your Ass (2013) - Realistic Fiction
By: Meg Medina This text follows the transition of young Piddy. As she reaches 10th grade, she is moved to a new school and the transition is anything but easy. She struggles with making friends, being bullied, and discovering who she is and where she belongs. This book would be appropriate for high school students (grades 8-12), who can read on at least an 8th grade level. Application for Teachers and Students This text could be used in a variety of ways in the classroom. In Reading and ELA, this book could be read to practice fluency of reading and recognition of parts of literature. Because this text is a realistic fiction novel, the students can study things like setting, characterization, writing techniques, story structure, and literary devices. This text could be used outside of the Reading/English classroom, as well. In Social Studies, this book could be used to help students to better understand Latin culture. In History it could be used to look at the geography of New York City. Students could look at the difference in culture, economics, geography, and historical differences among the different boroughs. This book could also be used to help students focus on non-academic learning. Topics and themes such as bullying, self-refinement, friendship, family issues, race, culture and belonging are explored throughout the novel. All students can identify with these topics and gain experience with how they may deal with such issues in their own lives. Ultimately, this book would be useful to help teach conflict resolution with students. Teaching Techniques Bibliotherapy If a teacher recognizes that one of their students is suffering from some of the issues explored within this text, they can recommend reading this book independently. In doing so, they can identify with the characters. This allows them to gain the perspective of how another student dealt with a similar issue and evaluate if this was a good solution or not and determine how they could adapt the situation to help them. Individual reading also allows for the student to read at their own pace, which aids in fluency development. Critical Reading This text could be read and analyzed as an entire class. While reading, the class and teacher could pick it apart for literary pieces. In doing so, it would help students become more familiar with concepts of literature. Examples of Specific Literary Components:
Literature Circles The class could be broken into smaller groups with students based on a similar maturity level. After reading the text, they could discuss the book and analyze it as a small group. This way, not only do they get the perspective of problem solving from the book and themselves, they hear how their peers would deal with the situation. Writing Extensions In the writing classroom, this book could be used for inspiration for creative writing. Students could pick an aspect from the novel to which they were particularly drawn. they could then incorporate that topic or theme into a piece of their own. Book Review After reading the novel, the students could think deeply about the novel as a whole. After reflecting, they could write a literary review of the book either recommending to another student or not, or to the teacher explaining why or why not they should teach it again. Through this assignment, students would practice critical thinking, writing skills, and begin to think about why and why not they are drawn to a particular novel or genre. |
AuthorKelly O'Malley |