"Sitting still is overrated...Children need to move. Movement is one of the ways brains develop. Dendrites grow, connecting this part of the brain to that one. Sitting still makes us dumber. The brain does not grow." ~Tom Hunter, National Association for the Education of Young Children
I teach second grade in a rural public school in North Carolina.
My students are high achievers who come from diverse backgrounds. In my regular education classroom I have 17 second-graders who have diverse learning needs, but for the most part they are bright, active, hands-on learners. While my students have some flexible options for seating they desire more active seating. One student even told me that it will help her brain work better.
My Project
While I am teaching some of my students quickly loose focus because they feel the need to stand, move, fidget, or talk in order to release their built up energy. Through a previous Donors Choose project I was able to bring stability stools in the classroom, this became the first choice seat for my students. When students use these stools they remain focused and attentive to their work.
In order for children to learn, they need to be able to pay attention and in order to pay attention, we need to let them move.
This year my co-worker introduced my students to bike pedals, balance boards at a standing table, and thera-band on a typical chair for feet fidgeting as other "seating" options in the classroom. My students told me that the wanted these things in our classroom because they active movement helped them learn better.
Research has proved that when students are able to move their brains are awake and learning. When students use the pedals and balance boards as an alternative seating choice their brain is awake allowing them to maintain focus on their learning. Donations to this project would give my students access to a variety of alternative seating. All support to this project will be greatly appreciated and will help improve the learning environment in my classroom.
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
Stamina 15-0120 InStride Cycle XL
• Amazon Business
$39.20
4
$156.80
Balance Workout Sport And Yoga Fitness Board (Blue)
• Amazon Business
$34.99
2
$69.98
Biofreeze Professional Non-Latex Resistance Bands For Upper and Lower Body Exercise, Strength Training without Weights, Physical Therapy, Lower Pilates, and Rehab, Yellow & Red & Green, Beginner Set
• Amazon Business
$12.00
1
$12.00
Materials cost
$238.78
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$18.62
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.58
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$290.98
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$51.35
Total project goal
$342.33
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$342.33
8 Donors
-$303.40
Donations toward project cost
-$258.34
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$45.06
match offer
-$38.40
Match offer toward project cost
-$32.64
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. Cuthbertson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
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