Help me give my students flexible seating options to break the barriers of traditional classroom seating.
$661 goal
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Hooray! This project is fully funded
Celebrating Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month
This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My students are innovative, enthusiastic learners who crave an active classroom environment. While some gravitate to working on the floor, others love standing at a tall desk and wiggling their way through each task. The more movement, the more engaged they are in a given activity. Our classroom is set up to incorporate small groups, partner assignments, and different work stations for just about every subject.
With so many different personalities and needs, it can be difficult to hold them accountable for daily tasks when they are sitting in traditional chairs and desk.
When they are in an environment that is flexible and engaging, they truly thrive. For many of my students, school is the only place where they have a chance to explore their ideas and to question the world around them. I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to be a part of their educational journeys.
My Project
There are times during those long, professional development meetings where I find my focus and attentiveness starting to fade out the window. My body starts to hurt and the contagious yawning begins. Being an adult, I have the luxury of knowing when I need to take a break, stretch my legs, and reconvene. Fourth graders, however, don't always recognize the signals from their bodies when they need a break. Rather, they often look to their classmates to distract them, or stare out the window dreaming of outer space until they hear the recess bell.
Instead of bottling up all their energy, why not provide our students with seating options that allow them to be active while they work?
What if we gave our students a choice in their seating? Studies have shown that flexible seating can remedy students’ fatigue, as the brain activity slows down when the body becomes stationary. It also encourages collaboration, accountability, and a sense of responsibility among students. I have a few wobble stools currently being used in the classroom. I have seen the difference in my students when they are able to choose their seating and move throughout a series of tasks.
The seating selections I have chosen will provide my students with opportunities to make effective learning choices for themselves. The floor cushions will give the students a chance to find a space anywhere in the classroom to sit, be comfortable, and complete their daily work. The yoga balls will help those students who really just need to wiggle while they work!
Creating a comfortable, yet productive, learning environment is one of my most important jobs. I have seen how choice can help positively motivate students in so many different ways. Free the seats!
Gaiam Classic Backless Balance Ball Chair – Exercise Stability Yoga Ball Premium Ergonomic Chair for Home and Office Desk with Air Pump, Exercise Guide and Satisfaction Guarantee, Blue
• Amazon Business
$47.98
2
$95.96
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Lime, Junior (52cm)
• Amazon Business
$19.99
3
$59.97
Materials cost
$480.65
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$43.98
3rd party payment processing fee
$7.21
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$561.84
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$99.15
Total project goal
$660.99
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$660.99
4 Donors
-$560.99
Donations toward project cost
-$476.84
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$84.15
match offer
-$100.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$85.00
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 Ms. Wilson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
