My 4th grade class is located in a small school district. We are a Title One school and face many challenges due to a declining budget. My students come to me with various backgrounds but with the desire to learn, create and explore. My goal is to always provide them with what they need and even more if possible. I love seeing the joy on their faces as we learn new things every day. They are the reason I teach.
Our district is unique because we are a four day district.
Our students attend school an extra hour each day. With that though comes challenges. They require more movement breaks and more activities to help them stay engaged.
My Project
These days it can be hard to keep students engaged and active in the classroom. Last year I introduced some flexible seating into our classroom and I really saw improvement in their ability to focus. This year I asked my students what materials they thought would help them move while learning. After brainstorming many ideas, they felt that adding bouncy bands and wobble cushions would benefit them.
Movement can be key to helping students retain information.
I want to provide the best learning environment I can for students so that they can be successful. I also feel that since it is their classroom too, the students should have a voice in what would help them learn best.
Many of my students felt that being able to bounce on the yoga balls we have in our classroom has helped improved their focus. Their biggest complaint though is that they move a lot. The yoga ball bases will help keep the balls in one spot which can keep the safe while they bounce. The Bouncy bands will provide a place for students to move their legs when they are unable to move around the room. The wobble discs will also allow those who need to wiggle in their seat that opportunity without bothering others.
I believe these items will make a big difference in learning for my students and that is the most important thing.
More than half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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