If your teacher toolbox is anything like mine, you’re always looking for supports to make rug time go smoother. What if I told you I have a fun and effective way to revamp your classroom setup and foster a more engaged learning environment? I’m excited to introduce you to a fantastic resource that can make a real difference in your classroom – visuals to support a more structured and engaged rug time! If you’re tired of the same old seating arrangements and are eager to explore new ways to empower your students, this might just be the game-changer you need.
Rug time posters
We all know that the classroom seating arrangement can play a significant role in the overall learning experience. On top of that, even the best seating arrangement on the rug can fall short if kids have a hard time staying in their area. It can impact interactions, collaboration, focus, and behavior. But let’s be honest – the traditional criss cross applesauce might not always be the best fit for every kid. That’s where the posters come in! My favorite part of these posters are the sheer simplicity AND the real photos. Kids can make a choice for which way to sit seems best for them in any given moment. You can also add in classroom specifics as needed (ex: kneeling only in the back row).
Key ring visuals
One of the most appealing aspects of this product is the emphasis on student choice. It’s no secret that when students have a say in their learning environment, they tend to be more engaged and invested. When choice is only available in one area of the day, it can fall short. With the visual choices presented in a smaller version to add to a key ring, kids can bring these with them across the school day. Rug time isn’t exclusive to one space, so now they will have their choices in music, library, speech therapy, and where ever else the day takes them. With this key ring of choices, we’re giving students the opportunity to select how they feel most comfortable and productive within controlled choices. And we all know that a comfortable student is a focused student!
Choice board
Imagine the possibilities when you allow your students to choose how they sit for rug time. Suddenly, you might find kids feeling more empowered, focused, and engaged during a time when they may have typically been wiggling, rolling, and wandering around. When you add in an additional structure like a choice board, kids have a more concrete way of knowing what option they chose and a visual reminder of how they should try to sit.
Easy implementation
Now, you might be wondering, “How can I seamlessly introduce this into my rug time?” Well, that’s the beauty this – it’s incredibly easy to implement! The product includes eye-catching visuals that clearly depict the available rug time seating choices using real photos. Just print, laminate, and display the posters in your classroom. You can use dry erase markers or clips for students to indicate their preferred way of sitting, leave it up to student discretion knowing they can ebb and flow through the choices as needed. It’s a hassle-free way to add a helpful structure to your room as a proactive strategy.
Sensory friendly
Every classroom is a world of diverse learning profiles. Some students might thrive when sitting cross legged, while others might find their focus improved when hugging their legs in a mountain pose. These visuals recognize this diversity and allows the teacher to proactively attend to each student’s uniqueness. Rug time can often feel chaotic. When we add in simple structures, it can really support this meaningful time.
Give it a try!
Our goal is to create a space where students can thrive, learn, and grow. By offering students the freedom to choose how they sit during rug time, we’re fostering a sense of autonomy, collaboration, and comfort that can significantly impact their learning journey.
So, why not give it a shot? Check out the visuals here and explore more about this exciting resource. Your students will thank you for it – and who knows, you might just find yourself looking forward to rug time read alouds, meetings, and discussions like never before!
