My children love to read and I would like to support this, by creating an environment that allows them to feel comfortable and read for longer periods of time. I teach third grade in a small public school. The children are developing a love for reading, and often want to find a "nook" in our crowded classroom, where they can enjoy their books.
The children sit at tables most of the day, so there is not much flexibility or opportunity for the children to claim space of their own. During independent reading time, many children like to go off and read away from the rest of their table...often spread out around the room, on the floor. The children have often expressed an interest in having beanbags in our classroom, since it would "make reading more fun," "more comfortable,"and "more like reading at home." (They see our neighbor class enjoying their books and bean bags, as we walk through their classroom--we have no hallways in our school.)
I think having beanbags in our classroom would help the children enjoy their reading time more,since they will feel comfortable. This in turn, will encourage the children to read for longer periods of time, building their reading stamina...making them better, more engaged readers. The beanbags would also help make our classroom more inviting to the children, and less formal than the tables do now. Children would be able to find a space to call their own, even if only for a short time.
With your help and beanbags in our classroom, I think that my third graders would further develop their love of reading in school,which would carry over into their at home reading. I also think it would help more reluctant children enjoy school and learning, looking at it as a fun place to spend their days, rather than some place they have to be. (It would be as comfortable as home, with 15 or 16 friends to hang out with all day!)
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. Taylor and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.