My students need a variety of sizes of stability ball chairs so that everyone, no matter their size, can have the opportunity to increase their focus on lessons. For this request, they need 13 45 cm balls.
When you're nine or ten years old sitting still is hard to do! And, it is especially difficult when you are trying to sit on a hard plastic chair that is either too big or too small for your body. Forget about listening to the teacher. My body is screaming to move!
My students are fourth graders in a high needs district in upstate New York.
They are great kids who desperately need the benefit of a strong education to open up their minds and spirits to the possibilities of a bright future. Living in a school community with a poverty level approaching 80% makes it difficult for some students to recognize the great potential they have to live a future life that is different than their current one. For many, their daily challenge to recognize the possibilities for their future are coupled with learning challenges such as ADD and ADHD.
My Project
Research has shown that physical movement stimulates the brain towards stronger cognitive effort. With the addition of stability ball chairs to our classroom, students who find it difficult to focus on lessons while seated in a stationary chair will be able to give their bodies the movement it needs while increasing their ability to concentrate on lessons and classwork. This increased concentration will enhance students understanding of new learning as well as allow the brain to focus more strongly on abstract academic thinking. Diana Henry, an occupational therapist states, "There is a neurological pathway that goes from your body's balance and movement system to your alert system in your brain. Movement actually allows for alertness and attention."
Giving students every opportunity to reach their potential is what education is all about.
Opportunities come in many forms. Providing students the opportunity to do their best thinking can come in the form of a stability ball chair. Please, give a student the chance to think about their future, not just their urge to move!
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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. MacLennan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.