A Waldorf Journey Podcast

The Movable Classroom | AWJ Podcast #27


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I intend to write a more thorough summary of my experiences of the movable classroom -- with photos of benches, cushions, and a more how-to approach, but because this is one of the most common questions I get from my readers, I thought I'd start with a podcast episode.

I've included some photos and links below, but hopefully I'll have something more thorough to share eventually. (Definitely click through to the blog post to see this content.)

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Spring Update

This time of year is all about beginnings and endings!

Endings -- The year is wrapping up and I'm enjoying reflecting on the work we've done. If you're doing that too, and thinking a lot about the end-of-year reports that you'll need to write -- take a look at my 30 Days Till Summer Report Writing Challenge eBook. It'll give you the little extra boost of motivation you need to get those reports written! And I'm offering it at a 20% discount right now -- just a little over $10.

Beginnings -- Summer planning! There's nothing I love more than a new beginning and I just LOVE my summer planning time. (I'm a bit of a nerd that way.) I've thought A LOT about the best way to go about planning and I've put together a course that is all about Waldorf planning. You can check it out here if you want more info.

Also, if you're interested in becoming part of a little mastermind/summer planning support group, send me an email. I'm thinking about how we can support and keep each other accountable with weekly check-ins. I'm super-excited about putting something together, and I'd love to hear it if you are too. Click here to email me.

Movable Classroom Takeaways

Take a listen to the podcast to get a more elaborate description of these things, but for now I'm just copying and pasting my rough notes here. Reach out if you have questions.

Description of the movable classroom set up in my room.

  1. Primary benefit – flexibility. We could move our benches and have a clear open area in less than a minute. Also pushing benches together and working in stations. This lets students chat with each other while they work, which is a skill I want them to learn.
  2. Next – Opportunities for movement – I definitely didn’t make use of all of the possibilities – if you do a search you’ll find suggestions for stacking benches 3 high, piling up the cushions – lots of different things. I played it safe, but still found so many different ways my students could move with their benches. Every day my students stand on, jump off, sit on and write on their benches.
  3. Core strength – most common posture my students use with them benches is sitting on it. Because the bench doesn’t have a back, they must hold themselves up. When we’ve had parent meetings, the parents get tired of sitting on the benches after a little while, but my students are strong and sit up straight.
  4. Think through the different ways your students will interact with their benches and set a framework. The first few weeks of school are about teaching your students the correct postures. Process for handing out cushions, etc.
  5. Don’t worry about the W sit. I did lots of research and found just as much evidence
...more
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A Waldorf Journey PodcastBy Meredith

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