Many of my students come to school without the necessities. They live in tough neighborhoods, where school may not be a priority because of the everyday obstacles at home. My students have to worry about a lot of things that other families may not. My students need the stability they do not get at home, and this is something I would like to give them. Several of my students come into school with a chip on their shoulder. This does not mean that they are "bad;" it means that they are coming from somewhere that they have to be tough. When they come to school, and enter my classroom, they should feel comfortable enough to let down the wall they have built. I want my class to be a safe haven. Many students feel defensive, and when they see that I care, they not only learn better, but they are able to confide in me.
Once you get to know these children, and get them to open up, you will find them to be eager and bright souls who want nothing more than to learn and succeed.
My Project
My students have a very hard time staying seated for long period of time. They often find reasons to leave the room, or walk around, or just go to sleep. Yes! My lessons are fun and most students are fully engaged, but some just can not sit still. Mostly, because we have the old school chair attached to desk combo. It is very restrictive and we can't do all of the activities we could do because of this set up.
By having alternative seating my students will have choices, they will get their extra energy out by bouncing or seek solace in an egg chair.
I work in a "last chance school", where students who were failing in their previous schools come to start off on a clean slate. By making my classroom as comfortable and inviting as possible these students will want to come to class more than ever. These are bouncy chairs that stay in place and will allow the students to work and fiddle around without getting distracted with other things. The Egg chair is there for the students who need a moment. My students have a lot of hardships, and whether it be from being frustrated in class or from stresses at home they can chill in the chair and relax. Students can do this during class, or even when I have a free period.
I am always there to sit and listen to anything my students have to say. They need the support and I want to give them everything I can to lift them up. And sometimes, all it takes is sitting in a cool chair with a teacher that cares.
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. Kueffner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.