My students need balance boards to incorporate a new learning tool into their flexible classroom environment. These balance boards will support students who would rather stand than sit while they "balance" their learning needs towards success.
I teach at an urban Title I middle school with a diverse population of students who reflect different cultures, learning levels, and socio-economic statuses. The majority of students are on Free or Reduced lunch and all students begin their school day with a free school breakfast. I teach four cores of varying math levels to approximately 120 students.
As a math teacher, I am always looking for ways to increase meaningful engagement in a student-led environment.
In my math class, "getting the correct answer" is NOT the only avenue towards success. Students are invited to explain their thoughts, ideas, and strategies and ignite learning in their peers through their explanations. Listening to a student's perspective and ideas are powerful tools that I like to involve in my students' learning environment.
My Project
Last year, I decided to personally invest in a flexible learning environment for my students. Currently, my room is outfitted with a futon, different sized yoga balls, bungee chairs, camping chairs, and a standing table with risers. My students have absolutely LOVED incorporating their learning styles and needs into the provided flexible environment. Now, I am seeking an additional learning tool to add more flexible seating options for my learners: BALANCE BOARDS!
Balance boards will provide another unique flexible seating option to support the learning of my unique and flexible learners.
These balance boards will support individuals, pairs or groups of students who would rather "stand up" for their learning than sit in a standard desk. I foresee this flexible seating option to be very popular for a wide variety of learners.
Each day, the struggle to remain focused is evident in classrooms across the globe. However, I have personally witnessed an increase in my classroom with the introduction of a flexible learning environment. My goal is to continue to support my diverse learners and incorporate new flexible seating features that customize their learning in the classroom.
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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. Hobson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
