We are strong. We are mighty. We may be small, but we can do anything. We will try. We’re problem solvers. We are community. We are Cold Spring.
Above are the words from our school song.
It was written this past year after tragedy struck our tiny town. But, through it all, we have become a family ready to start anew this 18-19 school year.
This year, I will be teaching third grade - a venture that I am beyond excited about. I have 15 bright young minds coming into my classroom. I can’t wait because...I taught several of them only a few years ago when they were in first grade! How lucky am I?! My classroom is full of students who are enthusiastic and passionate about learning. Knowing my students previously will be a strength for me as their teacher since I know many of their personalities and learning styles prior to having them walk through my door. It is because of this that I humbly ask for your help.
We would like new classroom furniture to support the diverse learning styles and needs. This will greatly benefit ALL learners this year and for years to come.
My Project
As any experienced teacher would tell you, the face of education is constantly changing. One of the “hottest new trends” in education currently is called flexible seating. Seeing as it will be my 11th year of teaching, I began my own learning adventure into seeing if this new trend is everything it’s cracked up to be...and let me tell you, I’m a firm believer now!
Did you know that for the last 80 years, classrooms have looked relatively the same?
The rows of desks are still there. The chalkboard might have been upgraded to a whiteboard, or maybe even a smart board. Large tables are available for small group instruction, and walls are adorned with student artwork. While the philosophies, standards, and methodologies have evolved over time, the classroom environment itself has been left untouched.
What is flexible seating? The students choose where and how they would like to sit to optimize their learning. Research has demonstrated time and time again that each child learns differently. Why would we construct classroom environments that teach to one type of learner? With flexible seating classrooms, studies have shown that student engagement is higher, there is more physical activity throughout the day, test scores go up, and students are better prepared for the real world through more frequent collaboration and opportunities for self direction. As adults, we choose spaces and ways that benefit our learning styles best - shouldn’t we do the same in our schools? In addition to that, students learn to take care of their classroom because it is just that - theirs!
We would use the couch and chair as a seating options and ball chairs for learners who need to move lots while learning. Providing these options will help to meet the movement needs of all students during instruction.
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 Mrs. Callahan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
