My students are instructed through STEM, a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — in an interdisciplinary and applied approach.
Rather than teach the four disciplines as separate and discrete subjects, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm based on real-world applications.
Though the United States has historically been a leader in these fields, fewer students have been focusing on these topics recently. According to the U.S. Department of Education, only 16 percent of high school students are interested in a STEM career and have proven a proficiency in mathematics. My students are dedicated to these integrated disciplines and choose to attend a school that specializes in this interest area. Allowing them alternative seating through sensory bean bag chairs would allow them to freely explore their interests without affecting their learning experience.
My Project
I believe that if students have the opportunity to choose alternative seating options throughout their school day, their bodies (and minds) will be awake and ready to learn!
According to the National Teaching Research Institute not all students approach the act of learning in the same manner.
Just as their are different intellectual learning styles, students also different sensory styles and needs as well.
Learning needs a multi-sensory approach to be successful for all learners. According to Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise Journal, "Physical activity is correlated with higher academic performance, better overall health, and improved behavior. Studies have found that short bursts of movement in the classroom contribute to better on-task behavior, with the most improvement seen in children who were the least on-task initially."
So, offering changes in positions and movement opportunities throughout the day provide these short bursts of activity students require for better focus.
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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. Renicker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.