CJUSD Students Get Out of Their Seats to Learn by Jacquie Paul - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

◄ AUGUST ►
S M T W T F S
26 27 28 29 30 31 01
02 03 04 05 06 07 08
09 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29
30 31 01 02 03 04 05
View Events
Submit Events
directory

CJUSD Students Get Out of Their Seats to Learn

By Jacquie Paul, Community Writer
February 22, 2017 at 03:19pm. Views: 77

COLTON>> Step inside some of the Colton Joint Unified School District classrooms and you will see that something’s different. Students may be standing, seated on the floor, or perched on yoga balls while they attentively focus on their lessons. This is flexible seating, and for many educators, it is making a difference in the way they teach. One of them is Kathryn Erickson, who teaches sixth-grade at Mary B. Lewis Elementary School. Erickson became interested in flexible seating options last year after learning that colleagues were using this classroom method. She started out with a few yoga balls at a table, and soon expanded. Erickson said it has helped her students to feel comfortable and helps them focus on what they are learning. “How many adults can sit still at their desks for seven hours?” Erickson said. Don Tornberg, a fifth-grade teacher at Sycamore Hills Elementary School, agreed with Erickson. “The days of sitting in straight rows are over,” Tornberg said. “This generation is mobile and we’ve got to get them moving. The fact that they are moving helps them to focus more. If you’re rocking, it doesn’t bother me. At the end of the day, it’s about doing what you need to do, getting tasks done.” He said he sees flexible seating as part of a movement in education to give students more of an active role in their learning experience. “The core of the lesson’s there. How it’s delivered is going to change,” he said. The freedom has not caused any classroom management issues, Erickson said, who noted that students clearly understand it as a privilege that could be taken away if not respected. Tornberg has the same rules. “It’s really cool. We don’t have to sit all day. We can be more comfortable and more successful,” stated sixth-grader Leslie Sanchez. Sixth-grade student Mia Arrellano likes sitting on the yoga balls at a table toward the front of the room. “If I can sit closer, I can see better and focus on the board,” she said. “If you’re comfortable, you’re focusing on your work instead of focusing on being comfortable.”

Related Articles

Downtown San Bernardino's Small Business Momentum Signals a New Chapter for the City's Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT.

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 951

Pedestrians walk past locally owned shops and outdoor cafés in a vibrant downtown district, illustrating how small businesses contribute to economic growth, community pride, and a welcoming environment in San Bernardino.

Blue Mountain Continues to Inspire Outdoor Recreation and Conservation in Grand Terrace
Photo Courtesy of: MapQuest

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 803

Hikers enjoy scenic trails and panoramic views from Blue Mountain Open Space in Grand Terrace, one of the city's most treasured natural landmarks and recreational destinations.

Grand Terrace Library's Summer Programs Inspire Young Readers and Bring Families Together
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 631

Families and children participate in educational activities at a public library, reflecting the Grand Terrace Branch Library's commitment to lifelong learning and community engagement.

Growing Greener Together: How Loma Linda's Trees, Trails, and Open Spaces Shape a Healthier Future
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Grant Walker, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 730

Residents enjoy a tree-lined walking path and community park, reflecting Loma Linda's long-standing commitment to healthy outdoor living.

Building More Than Businesses
Photo Courtesy of: AllEvents

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 730

Local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members gather for a networking luncheon focused on economic development and collaboration.

Healthy Communities Begin With Healthy Conversations
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 756

Healthcare professionals lead a community wellness program designed to educate residents about healthy living and preventive care.

Summer of Discovery: Loma Linda Library Helps Turn School Break Into a Season of Learning
Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 706

Children and families gather at a public library to enjoy story time, browse books, and participate in educational activities during the summer.

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Honored with National Quality Award
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation

By William Cortez, Community Writer

June 26, 2026 at 07:56am. Views: 1484

Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s pediatric subacute program has become the only program
of its kind in California to earn the Bronze Commitment to Quality Award from the American
Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living

Highland GLO MedSpa Celebrates Grand Opening, Bringing Advanced Medical Aesthetics to the Highland Community
Photo Courtesy of: Highland Glo MedSpa

By Highland Glo MedSpa, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1576

Claudia Torres, Aesthetics Consultant, Mairah Angulo, Aesthetics Consultant, Jill Ali, FNP-C (Provider), Dr. Namita Mohideen, MD, CEO, Dr. Kelly Jeu, MD, Provider, Dr. Jose Arciniega, DO, Provider, Ilsse Castillo, Office Manager, Alexia Sanchez, Office Manager

The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California Proves Its Relevance in a Changing America
Photo Courtesy of: The Civil Rights Institute

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1443

Photo caption: The Civil Rights Institute Board of Directors and the community celebrate the Woman of Achievement Awardee. Photo L to R: Ken Gutierrez, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Kathy Wright, Community Leader; Sabrina Gonzalez, Civil Rights Institute Executive Director; Launa Wilson, The Civil Rights Institute Board President; Q'Vinc Asberry, The Civil Rights Institute Board Member; Irma Asberry, Community Leader/Retired Judge, Superior Court of Riverside County.

Turning Grades into Goals: San Bernardino Students Honored for Academic Triumphs
Photo Courtesy of: Chris Sloan

By Carl M. Dameron, Contributing Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1060

Valdez Educational Services President Aaron Valdez, SBCUSD ETSA Wil Greer, Ionatauna Asu, Student, Equity guest teacher Fernando Tanioka, then Equity Counselor Francine Blacksher, celebrate Asu’s achievement, taking his grades from a low F to a high A, at An Evening of Excellence.

Colton Chamber of Commerce New president

Photo Courtesy of: Christina Gaitan

By Chamber Inducted new President , Community Writer

June 24, 2026 at 12:29pm. Views: 1155

left to right -Nelky Rodriguez ( secretary) - Arnise Dejohnette ( board member)- Anna Juarez (board member) David Toro (Council member) Belen Cordero(Board member) - Javier Gomez (treasurer) City Manager -Mayor Frank Navarro- Brian Childstrom (Emeritus) Christina Gaitan (Coordinator) Shelley Burnach ( Vice President ) Lesley Stevens ( Board member) Frank Aguliar (president ) Matthew Hernandez (board member) Councilman Dr. G - Chief Vega Colton Police Department .

--> -->