To Engage Them All: October 2015

Take a risk and try flexible seating and student led activities in your middle school classroom. #middleschool #flexibleseating #learnlap #yogaballs

I looked at my blog the other day and couldn't believe that I haven't updated since July! The start to the year has been fabulous! My seventh graders are adorable and witty. They make me laugh every day. My eighth grade is a wonderful group to loop with. We are already having so much fun. So, how did I start my year?

#1 Yoga Balls!!!

I have been doing tons of research on sensory integration lately and realized that although I make room for movement breaks and try to plan hands on lessons, some of my kiddos need more. We tried a couple of yoga balls in the class and the next thing I know EVERY one of my kids wants to sit on one. I did a GoFund me and through the generosity of my amazing family, was able to buy a classroom set of balls and an air pump. I bought them at 5 Below for 5 bucks and the kids and I couldn't be happier!

I got a new couch too. I'm becoming quite the lounge!

#2 Over the summer I read this amazing book called learn Like a Pirate. It was written by an amazing educator named Paul Solarz about his journey to create a student led classroom. I'm going to slowly start to implement some of his ideas this year and I started with this fabulous team activity that I read about at Runde's Room. They looooove it and it really set us up to talk about working as a team where I am the coach.

#3 It is primary season baby!!!

I am an election enthusiast, nerd, and connoisseur! I created this fun primary board that we use for Do Nows and to spark amazing conversations. I love that the whole school likes to stop by and talk with the kids about the race! if you are interested, you can find it here at Teachers Pay Teachers.