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Moving Classrooms

May 16, 2006

Phil Rynearson, 4th and 5th grade teacher in Rochester, MN, has decided to try an experiment. Let's allow kids move as much as they want in the classroom.

Rynearson is working in cooperation with Dr. James Levine, a researcher with the Mayo Clinic, to see if students would focus better and burn more calories if they were not being forced to sit still.

Results?

All the data has not been completely analyzed at the Elton Hills Elementary School but the initial opinion seems to indicate that students in this environment seem to focus better than their peers in the traditional setting.

Sensors Measure Calories Used

Students have sensors on their legs to measure every movement and how many calories are used in a day. Levine is wondering if this kind of classroom would help reduce student obesity.

Desks Are Gone

The traditional desks have been replaced with podium-like furniture. Students may stand while working on computers. iPods are used as classroom technology to give spelling tests and students download the teacher reading a book to them on a computer. Students may repeat lessons as needed with this technology. Some lessons are recorded, students listen, and teacher is available to answer questions 1-on-1.

Student Opinion?

Some students like it and some do not. So, for next year, students will be offered traditional desks if they wish.

This may be something to watch in the future. This would especially be beneficial to ADHD students if it is found to enhance learning.

Kiss Mountain Dew Goodbye!, Recess Becoming Obsolete.

Read previous articles on Educational Issues.

The copyright of the article Moving Classrooms in Educational Issues is owned by Barbara Pytel. Permission to republish Moving Classrooms in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Comments

May 16, 2006 10:52 AM

Irene Taylor :

Hi Barb,

How interesting! I can't imagine what this know of classroom would be like. It is probably great for the kids, but I wonder how the teachers can concentrate with all that motion! LOL

There is always something interesting going on in the world of education, isn't there!!

Irene

May 16, 2006 4:46 PM

Lynn Byrne :

My 7 year old would go for this. He's constantly on the move and feels better if he's in process with something. He's so technologically embroiled I have to pry the mouse from his little hand and toss him outside periodically. This is definitely more creative than the open classroom concept!

May 17, 2006 5:59 PM

Kate Copsey :

Barbara
Our kids are in that sort of environment - multiage and freedom, with rules. What struck me most when we saw the school was the constant movement to get tissues, water,bathroom. Although there are traditional desks in the room, the computers are around the edge and mats in the middle - the kids are one or the other or all three at different times. The project rooms have kids in groups hanging on chairs, using the computer, lying on the floor or whatever but they all get the work done. Did i mention that this is a Catholic School??? Definately not traditonal.

May 18, 2006 12:30 PM

Barbara Pytel :

It makes me wonder how active little boys would do in this type of environment. If the teacher was free to work with students because the teaching was on iPods and computers, it is a possibility that there would actually be more 1-on-1 time. And, if students were all engaged in an activity, i.e. not bored, perhaps there would be fewer discipline problems.

4 Comments