TOW #9 - article: "In these classrooms, fidgeting, moving around and bouncing are encouraged"

The article “In these classrooms, fidgeting, moving around and bouncing are encouraged”, by The Dallas Morning News, talks about the new generation of elementary age kids and their unique energy levels. The article describes how the switch from regular chairs to bouncy balls, wobble chairs, pillows and mats has effected the performance of the children. The author is able to present evidence that is very credible because most of the information provided is from the teachers of the experimental classrooms themselves.

            Within the article, the kid’s behavior is analyzed. Although the article does admit that studies have not yet shown that this specific technique of teaching effects elementary school kid’s behavior, the teachers still offer their perspective on how they think the classroom has changed. Many teachers described seeing a lot of difference in the classroom. Kids began to take out their energy by simply wobbling back and forth on their chair. This was a non-disruptive way to allow the child to get their energy out. This information prompted other teachers to transform their classrooms as well, for the better of their students and each of their performances. The occasion of the text would be the energy of kids of this generation. Because of the amount of growing technology, more and more students are being diagnosed with ADHD. These chairs give disabled students a better chance of learning in a more comfortable setting.

            The author uses rhetorical devices such as exemplification and diction to make her purpose, that this specific transformation of the classroom is more fit for elementary school children, clear. Exemplification is utilized through the use of quotations from teacher whom have transformed their own classrooms. These quotes directly add fuel to the authors purpose. The diction the author uses, such as the words and phrases “helpful”, “successful”, “progressive” and “how students work best”, make the purpose stand out as well.

            I believe the author of this article was very successful in giving their purpose. Personally, I did not know much about this topic. The author thoroughly convinced me that the new transformations of the classroom benefitted students.