Impact of Alternative Seating in 2nd Grade Classrooms

Problem of Practice

What is the impact of increasing movement using alternative seating on a group of second grade students?

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District policies assume that all students explicitly understand White middle class behavioral norms.

If this is not the case it is the responsibility of the teacher to explicitly teach the “rules and codes” of the school’s cultural expectations (Delpit,1988).

Meeting needs

• Students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
• Self Awearness and Self Advocacy

"Standing without moving or performing any tasks has been reported to require anywhere from 10% to 50% more calories than sitting at rest” (Studebaker & Murphy, 2014, p.43)

Case Study Classrooms

• Classrooms A and B use assigned spots at desks with traditional chairs.
• Classroom C does not have assigned spots.
• The classroom consists of five tables, 11 wobble chairs, 4 bar style chairs, 3 stools, a bean bag chair, 4 traditional chairs and a couch.

Method

• Time on Task Observation
• School Engagement Scale Survey
• Parent and Student's Perception on the Impact of Alternative Seating
• Teacher's Perception on the Impact of Alternative Seating
• Reading Comprehension Assessment

"Just Right" Learning environment

Behaviors During a Writing Lesson in Different Learning Environments

Reading Comprehension Assignment in Different Learning Environments (Percentages)

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Student Perception

• 87.5 % of students said that alternative seating options helped their learning.
• “It helped my learning because I get to choose my own seat and if someone is bothering me I can move somewhere else that they can’t get to me”
• “I like that I am able to wiggle”
• “I can move"

Parent & Teacher Perception

• 100% of parents and 78.8% of teachers felt that alternative seating had a positive impact on learning
• “He is able to step away from a situation where he cannot focus on learning.”
• “Encouraging him to think about his learning style, and what distracts him”
• “All students benefit, especially those who struggle with focus or intense emotions ”

Implications

• Research- Expand sample size
• Practices- Enviornment design
• Policies- Adapt to meet diverse needs of students to prepare for 21st century jobs

influencing change

#1 take away

5 year plan

• Have a kick ass year teaching!
• Assistant Principal position
• Principal position
• Principal position
• Start writing my charter application!

I am a transformative leader dedicated to fostering a culture of growth mindset for students, staff, and parents with a focus on addressing the changing educational landscape so that our children are prepared for the 21st century job market.