My students need books of high interest to boys, listening center materials and exercise balls as chairs to improve learning and increase the opportunity for movement.
I work with an amazing group of first graders, but there's one little problem... Are you familiar with the expression, do you have "ants in your pants"? I've seen that movement many times over the years. These young learners need opportunities to expend excess energy.
Let me tell you a little about this wonderful group of children.
They are curious, enthusiastic and always ready to learn. They love to do their best work and appreciate positive support and encouragement. We are so fortunate because we have incredible support from our parent community.
One obstacle we face in our district is that our buildings and learning materials are outdated. Most classroom furniture is worn and in need of repair. Unfortunately, resources are limited due to the challenges we face with school funding in our state. Consequently, we rarely receive updated furniture and improved learning materials. Throughout the years, I have donated and purchased close to 3,000 books for my classroom library. I have also written four grants to obtain resources for my classroom. Because funding is limited, resources for our classrooms are oftentimes secured through grants.
My Project
The exercise balls, to be used as chairs will allow me to incorporate more movement into the school day for my students. I will place 6 exercise ball-chairs at the listening center and 2 chairs in our classroom library. When the children move to the listening station during center rotations, they will be able to actively sit and listen to read-along books. This will help the children focus and pay close attention to the books on tape. While at the classroom library during their center rotation, the children will take turns sitting on the exercise-ball chairs. Attention will improve and the children will be more inclined to read for longer periods of time.
Also included in this grant request are reading materials. I chose nonfiction books for the listening station read-alongs. Boys, typically the ones with the most "ants in their pants," are more inclined to read nonfiction and science fiction. They enjoy learning about animals, robots and dinosaurs.
This project will provide opportunities for my students to move about while learning.
Active learning is very important for young children, who are by nature always "on the go."
It's important to provide appropriate reading materials for all children. Most classrooms are equipped with books of fiction, and books that appeal to girls. I'd like to make sure all children have the opportunity to develop a love for reading and positive, life-long learning habits.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Brinkman and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.