I teach a wide variety of eager, active 5 and 6 year olds. My students come from different backgrounds, ranging from low income to middle-class, traditional families, single parents, and extended family situations. They also come to me with varying amounts of background knowledge, most having attended pre-k, while others have never been in school.
My kindergarteners are incredibly eager to learn, willing to work, and ready to succeed!
They deserve everything that I can give them- my time, abilities, and efforts.
My Project
Kindergarten students are typically very active and thrive on multiple instructional methods. They cannot learn to the best of their ability solely sitting at a desk with "pencil/paper" tasks. They need to move and transition from place to place within the classroom. They also need a clear set of boundaries and guidelines in order to do this. In kindergarten, we spend at least 50% of our work day away from a traditional desk or table, utilizing space on the floor to conduct Morning Meetings, story times, class discussions, and free choice activities.
Allowing "choice" empowers students and will increase their higher level thinking and problem solving skills.
Jim Fay, author of "Love and Logic," says "Give choice away when you don't need it, so you can get some back when you do." Having this rug in my classroom will allow my students the choice of where to sit, but also give them their clearly defined boundaries. They will see the defined personal space, teaching them social conventions of having a "personal bubble." But they may also chose a space where they can be comfortable...on the edge if too many people surrounding is bothersome, the back row so that necks aren't strained, the front row if vision is an issue, etc.
This rug will also help with behavior issues that can arise in a classroom. Students will be given choice whenever possible. If discipline issues arise, however, having a rug such as this will be an incredible helpful too. Seating assignments can be made as needed, if that situation comes. It will also be very helpful for any students with special needs or sensory issues, allowing these students to select a place that works for their unique needs.
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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. Kendrick and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.