"Active Classroom" Redesign

I am currently in the process of redesigning my high school classroom by replacing the traditional desks and chairs with standing desks. Various case studies and brain research show that physical activity and movement are linked to increased attention, improved memory, increased neural communication, and as a result of all those things, improved academic performance. I believe that having a more movement-based learning environment would improve students' grades, test scores, self-esteem, and overall health.

The objective of my project is to improve student learning, performance, and health through an innovative and dramatic shift away from the traditional classroom model. Students will work in a collaborative, active environment rather than one that is passive and sedentary. As an athlete myself, I try to inspire my students to be active and to instill in them life-long habits that will improve their lives through better health and academic performance.

I teach six classes per day comprised of anywhere from 21-32 students per class. Each year, I have the ability to positively impact a total of 160+ students. My project has the potential to affect countless young men and women, but I also anticipate a far greater reach than just my classroom. My hope is that not only will the students see the connection between being active and improved performance, but also that the people around those students will notice--parents, peers, family and community members. I am confident that active learning is the solution to two problems in this country that I believe are inextricably related: low academic performance and poor health. Humans are better thinkers and learners when they are active and fit, and what better time to reinforce this idea than during adolescence?

Here is a link to one of the many great articles out there that supports my no-chair classroom concept: http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-08-07/health/chi-standing-desks-the-classroom-of-the-future-20120807_1_desks-standings-classroom  



This spring, I was awarded a $925.00 innovative teaching grant from the Rockwall ISD Education Foundation and have had the support of campus leadership to begin the first phase of my project.
Currently, I have six standing desks that students rotate through each day. The students absolutely LOVE being able to stand up during class and it has transformed the atmosphere in my classroom in a way that I never could have anticipated. 

The next phase of the project, adding an additional four standing desks, is going to cost $1,671. Help me outfit my entire classroom by donating today!