My students need five stools that allow movement in all directions which help them maintain focus during reading, writing and other classroom seat activities.
Do you recall those hard, wooden chairs in elementary school? They haven't changed in almost 30+ years. Students are being asked to sit and listen to instruction but, as teachers, we see the wiggles. After visiting another school, I now know there's something better!
My classroom in California is filled with 6 and 7 year olds who are eager and enthusiastic to learn new things.
When visiting our science lab or school garden, they are excited and attentive. However, in the classroom, we have traditional desks and wooden chairs and I notice that it's hard for them to sit and focus during our reading and writing blocks. I use brain breaks with movement and song throughout the day but that still isn't enough for many of my students who are kinesthetic learners.
My Project
Recently, after visiting that other first grade classroom, I saw these unique stools with a convex base that allowed a student to move while sitting at their desk. Yes, I tried it out and immediately thought of several of my students who are constantly out of their seats to get that drink of water for the 10th time or sharpen that pencil. These students have an inner need to constantly be moving. Those hard, wooden classroom chairs are difficult on most students but are even more so for those little ones who can't focus while sitting still.
We need stools with padded seats that can change a child's daily classroom experience for the better. Students will be more focused during reading and writing activities and will be able to complete daily class work rather than walk the room. I will be able to teach more and meet the needs of more students rather than redirecting a child back to his/her seat throughout the day.
These special stools will make a tremendous difference to those children who just can't sit as well as to those in close proximity.
They will be proud of being able to read and write with greater stamina and complete a task at their desk that previously seemed impossible. Thank you for considering this request!
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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. Finta and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.