Starbucks My Classroom: Small, Medium, or Large?

By Oskar Cymerman | @focus2achieve | BAm! Radio Network EdWords Blogger

Hey Everyone!

I have some exciting news. I was recently invited to appear on Vicky Davis’ podcast “Every Classroom Matters” to talk about flexible seating classroom design and the “Starbucks My Classroom” Project I started.

The project has blown up on social media, and Twitter especially, as many people are sharing resources on #StarbucksMyRoom and providing me and those who committed to “Starbucksing” their room with words of encouragement and inspiration.

When I first decided to change my room, I had no idea this was going to happen. It’s a big project for any teacher to accomplish during the summer (or anytime to be honest)! And, as the word spread, the “Starbucks My Classroom” Project has become an idea that by doing something bigger than all of us we are doing something incredibly important for students. We are shifting the Industrial Age educational paradigm and consciously leading our students and ourselves into the 21st century.

I know that it has only been possible, because of all of you who decided to join in by participating and/or supporting the project. And hopefully even more educators will decide to join after reading this post and listening to the podcast.

But no matter how big this thing blows up it’s important to keep perspective.

There’s no pressure to get everything done in one grand move. The idea is to start shifting classrooms and philosophies to start shifting mindsets. So do what you can. Start with a table or two. Lower the legs and put a rug underneath. Or maybe throw some pillows down on the floor. Maybe get a couple of armchairs, or a couch off Craigslist.

Whatever you do, just start.

Small, medium, or large; just start.

And don’t look back.

Because “it does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” - Confucius

Here’s the podcast: Do Students Learn Better in Chairs or Couches?

Thanks for reading and listening! Please share ideas, pictures, and resources related to flexible seating on Twitter using #StarbucksMyRoom. Sign up for my Newsletter on brain-based teaching and social-emotional learning. And remember that you have the power. Use it.