My classroom is full of 2nd graders, that have ants in their pants. It is a challenge for them to sit still and concentrate. Many of my students will wiggle so much that pencils, papers, and books fall to the floor, which they have to pick up. This is distracting to them and the rest of the class.
Our school is located in a small beach community, just 45 min away from Silicon Valley, CA.
Yet our schools are so underfunded that we stand in no comparison to a district just 25 miles over the hill.
My 21 students are bright, funny, and motivated to learn. However, it can be very hard for a 2nd grader to sit still and concentrate for an extended period of time. Their bodies are constantly moving to release the extra energy. I will take wiggle brakes during my lessons so the students can release some of that extra energy and can go back to concentrating. These wiggle brakes are very effective, however they do take away from our educational time and can be distracting for the kids that don't need them as often. My wiggly kids have a hard time finishing their work and do fall behind. This is frustrating for the student and will sometimes increase the restlessness.
My Project
Fidgeting helps children with ADHD and other learning disabilities concentrate. Just a little movement on the balance balls can meet their demands for expelling excess energy.(A study published in the October 2003 issue of the American Journal of Occupational Therapy). When students sit on balance balls, both sides of their brains are engaged in keeping their bodies centered on the balls. And when the brain is stimulated, it's more focused on learning. Without a back or side rails, balance balls force children to sit up straight and engage in better posture than they might ordinarily in a standard school chair and desk. When students are sitting up straight, they're more likely to pay attention. By replacing 8 ordinary class chairs with balance ball chairs I will be able to help my wigglers channel their energy towards brain stimulation, improve concentration, students' self-esteem, and better posture. I can concentrate more on teaching with a relaxed classroom atmosphere.
These 8 balls chairs will have a positive effect on the entire class.
The wigglers are distracting the non wigglers. I as the teacher have to use valuable teaching time to help unload some of that extra energy. Therefore, all of my students will benefit from these chairs because the classroom will be quieter, everyone will be able to focus better, and I can spend more time teaching. Please help my students to concentrate - all of them!
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. Thiede and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.