My students live in a community in Southwest Virginia that is rapidly changing with more transient families and other concerns that affect the students outside of the classroom. My teaching style has always been to welcome each student. I promote empathy for my students and among my students as you never know what has already happened.
I want our classroom to reflect a safe and supportive space, not just in actions, but in seating decisions for my students.
Our world is rapidly changing and our students will be in workspaces that are very different from the ones envisioned in the early 1900s. In order to help my students take learning risks they need to feel comfortable in the learning environment.
As a result of the flexible seating changes already in place, I have noticed that behavior problems are mostly a thing of the past. The students respect the room and want to make sure it is clean. By giving the students voice and choice I can encourage them to reach higher levels of learning.
My Project
Several years ago I made changes in my classroom to reflect the flexible seating model. I offer student input on ideas for change to help promote a sense of place and security. The students absolutely love the comfort of the classroom. As students become familiar with the classroom and each other, I allow daily choice in seating as sometimes you want to sit in a chair and sometimes you'd rather flop on the floor.
My students this year made suggestions about what would improve their learning environment.
Overwhelmingly, the students wanted bean bags, but one of the ones I was able to find needs filler. Additionally, the students wanted wobble cushions or yoga balls. My room is smaller so they agreed that the wobble cushions would be best. The students wanted flexibility within the chairs and decided that stools would be good. Finally, the students who use the floor and chairs/couch wanted a better surface for writing than the clipboards.
As the title suggests, I want my students to feel at home with the classroom and their learning. Many of my students have topsy-turvy home lives and I would like the classroom to reflect one of comfort and support. When a student feels comfortable and at home, that student will be willing to take risks in learning.
Foot Rest Cushion for Under Desk, Ergonomic Footrest Foam to Improve Comfort and Sitting Posture, Non-Slip Cover Easy to Wash, Portable and Compact Foot Stool, use at The Office and at Home
• Amazon Business
$18.95
8
$151.60
Trideer Inflated Stability Wobble Cushion with Pump, Extra Thick Core Balance Disc, Kids Wiggle Seat, Sensory Cushion for Elementary School Chair (Office & Home & Classroom) (34cm New Yellow Green)
• Amazon Business
$18.99
5
$94.95
Trideer Inflated Stability Wobble Cushion with Pump, Flexible Seating Classroom, Extra Thick Core Balance Disc, Wiggle Seat for Sensory Kids (Office & Home & School) (34cm New Turkis)
• Amazon Business
$18.99
5
$94.95
Antarctica Retractable Folding Stools Portable Lightweight for Outdoor Traval Fishing
• Amazon Business
$41.99
2
$83.98
Winsome Wood Ventura Bed Tray, Natural/wht
• Amazon Business
$16.99
3
$50.97
Big Joe Comfort Research Megahh (UltimaX) Bean Bags Refill, 100 L, White -
• Amazon Business
$19.88
1
$19.88
Materials cost
$496.33
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.44
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$533.77
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$94.19
Total project goal
$627.96
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$627.96
9 Donors
-$477.96
Donations toward project cost
-$406.27
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$71.69
match offer
-$150.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$127.50
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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. Painter and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
