Were you ever told to "sit still?" My students and I move constantly throughout the day as we learn! Even though I use movement as a significant learning tool, there are times when the students need to quietly focus. At these times, I would love for them to still be able to bounce and wiggle!
My school is in a small town that, along with having many struggling families, also comes with a negative reputation for including many tough characters.
The school is often thought of as being "on the wrong side of the tracks." The majority of my students are from high-poverty backgrounds and have not only physical and emotional needs but have high academic needs as well. Many of them have one parent incarcerated and a great many others are in foster-care situations. Fortunately, our school is one that is driven to excel and create passionate, life-long learners. My school's mission is our driving force, "Empowering students through attendance, achievement, and citizenship!" In our community, the school is seen as a place of hope. Our school works diligently to provide clothing, food, and support to all families in need. My school is a great place to be!
My Project
In my classroom, we frequently use movement as a learning tool. As we are learning, we may be dancing, singing, building, or experimenting. During times when students need a quieter environment, we use frequent "brain breaks," to stimulate our minds. During these "brain breaks," we do basic exercises and often line dance! My students and I have a collaborative classroom where they and I are partners in deciding how our classroom will operate. Recently, they began requested tools that would enable them to bounce and wiggle in a respectful manner during times when the room is more relaxed and quiet. The exercise balls I have requested will give my students the ability to exactly what they have requested! They will be able to move, to keep their body active as well as their mind while they are learning without distracting their fellow classmates.
The donors to this project will make a difference by allowing my students to learn in a manner that suits the physical and developmental needs of 9-11 year old students.
As my students use these tools, they are learning about themselves as learners! They are learning what resources they need to succeed which will impact their education for years to come!
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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 Ms. Winford and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.