Redding School District

Sitting on the Rug

Sitting on the Rug - Sitting on the rug can create an intimate instructional environment in which to read a story or conduct a discussion with younger students. However, the closer children physically are to one another, the tougher it is to share the space without fidgeting and touching. Close quarters can quickly lead to other disengaging or off-task behaviors. However, it is possible and worthwhile for children to sit in close proximity and enjoy learning.

Behaviors to consider are associated with three unique transitions. First, how do you want students to prepare to move to the rug? Second, while they are transitioning to the rug how do you want them to act? Lastly, once they are on the rug how should look in order to be prepared to learn. Modeling, teaching and practicing each of these three areas is going to be paramount in order to have a successful rug time in your classroom

Assign Seating - At the beginning of the year, some teachers assign each student to a spot and code that spot with an icon or a name so students know where to sit. Like a seating chart, it helps students go to their spot each time. Assigning spots helps students be successful by making sure that you do not have students who are potentially disruptive sitting by one another. It also makes transitions quicker because students will not have to figure out where to sit, and there will not be any arguing about the "best spot."

Students may also have their own carpet square and learn the rule to keep al body parts inside their square. Masking rape can create a checkerboard on a larger carpet for a similar structure.

Be sure to place near you those students who have trouble sitting still.

If some students have great difficulty sitting still, try having them sit slightly away from other students so that their movement is not distracting. Make sure these students are not all placed next to each other for it may lead to more distracting behavior.

Use Optimal Seating Arrangements - Ensure good listening and active engagement during rug activities by making sure all students can see and hear what is going on. Use a seating arrangement that best suits the activity:

Form a cluster - For a cozy setting, sit on a chair and arrange students in several curved rows on the rug right in front of you. Students will be close enough to note details in illustrations or photos, actively respond to questions, and chime in with the reading of a book or poem.
Create a horseshoe - For a demonstration activity, arrange students in a horseshoe pattern, and seat yourself at the open end of the horseshoe. Use the interior area of the rug to spread out materials such as math manipulatives, science models, or historic artifacts.
Sit in a circle - When holding a morning share time or class meeting, it is optimal to form a circle and sit on the rug knee to knee with your students. This will create a sense of community and convey to students your interest in listening and sharing along with them.

Establish Personal Space on the Rug - When confined to desks and chairs, students have a clear sense of their personal space or "territory" and know when they are encroaching on the space of others. When on the rug, however, students may not know exactly how much space is theirs and consequently may bump or lean on other students inadvertently.

Help students gain a sense of personal space by asking them to sit "a hand's distance" apart. That is, when seated on the rug, have students place their hands on the floor on either side of them with fingers pointing outward. As students place their hands adjacent to their neighbor's fingertips to fingertips, they can easily see the boundaries of their own personal space.

Talking Stick - Another strategy to aid discussions when students are on the rug is to use a "talking stick" that is held by the student whose turn it is to speak. After the student with the stick is finished talking, the stick is passed to the next person who wants to speak. The talking stick can be a magic wand, baton, or ruler. Other items, such as a soft ball or small stuffed toy, can be used instead of a stick.