It mystified me how in the modern era that we live in, we still haven’t properly addressed some fundamental issues effecting the comfort of our students. The following are three examples:
1. The Mat – The mat serves a clear purpose. There are times when the mat is ideal for teaching a new concept or skill or for giving opportunities for students to present their work to the class. But it must be used in short spurts because it is so uncomfortable. Sitting in a confined space, without a back rest is not fun at all. Once, whilst teaching a mat session, I tried it. I sat on the floor with the kids/ In no time, I’d had enough. Teachers who use the mat for long, drawn out periods of time should not be frustrated at the child that can’t sit still. It is to be expected that a naturally restless person will find the challenge just too difficult.
2. The Chair – Even sitting in a chair for long periods of time is too much to expect. Why is education often so dormant? Surely the best forms of teaching allow students to move around.
3. Lack of Engagement – Currently, there is a strong push to bring back traditional teaching. This involves lines of handwriting practise, together with pages of maths algorithms followed by reading with comprehension questions. There are always going to be certain students who will enjoy the safe, predictable, routine side to rote learning. But on the whole, this methods is nothing short of tedious. It lacks creativity, energy and critical thinking. It is unimaginative, noninteractive and downright boring.
I hear teachers complain all the time about how poor attention spans are nowadays. It makes me wonder whether teachers realise that we are partly to blame. I can’t concentrate unless I’m engaged and comfortable in my chair. I need time to move and stretch and I need to feel as if I am able to express myself.
Why should my students feel any differently?
Topical Teaching 