“If we want our children to move mountains, we first have to let them get out of their chairs.” Nicole Sowder
I interpret this quote through multiple avenues within a learning environment including place-based learning, multiple means of representation, and physical education health. The western education setting has generously grown regarding mindfulness of how students learn and the variety of ways students can gain knowledge. Within a learning environment, I believe it should be engaging, interactive, inclusive, and with the mindset that students learn differently from one another, and while western education has grown, I believe there is still area of improvement that can be made in regards of allowing students opportunities to move their bodies as a means of learning.
I view this quote as opportunities for teachers to find ways in which students can remove their bodies from their chairs and away from their desks to find a meaningful leaning opportunity else where. Students and teachers can engage in collaborative learning outside on or off school grounds and create a mindfulness of the land they are based on. Within the classroom, teachers can create opportunities in which everyone can can engage and participate. I personally struggle with the notion of students being expected to remain seated when they are physically programed to move their bodies. Not only does this promote physical well-being, but they create deep connections with the land.
I will implement my philosophy within any classroom through outdoor experiences within any given subject at appropriate times as I believe subjects such as math cannot not take place outside, but also noteworthy that with this quote, it’s not only outdoor focused, but promoting physical movement in which students can learn away from their desk while remaining indoors. As Sowder proclaims, for students to learn, we must first let them out of their chairs can be interpreted as finding ways as a teacher to encourage safe body movements within a classroom setting that allows for exploration of learning in alternate ways.
In the end, I believe it’s necessary and significant to encourage students learning through multiple means of representation and within place-based learning through example of themselves.