My students need flexible seating options, comfy pillows, balance balls, and lap trays, to create a fluid classroom environment that encourages movement, creativity, and choice!
My first grade class is an awesome, energetic, and extremely creative group of children. We are the only first grade class in our school and most of these students have been together since pre-K. These students are excited to learn and enthusiastic about being at school. They love coming in each day and teach me just as much as I teach them.
As spirited as my students are, many are faced with strong challenges at home including extreme poverty, broken homes, and incarcerated family members.
Many of my students have learned English as a second language with parents at home who speak little to no English.
Our school does a wonderful job of assisting these students and it is my wish to fulfill my role to the absolute best of my ability as well.
My Project
Most adults don’t want to sit in the same place for six hours a day, why should students have to learn in this rigid way? Studies have shown that moving helps to increase academic ability, facilitate learning, and even burn extra calories.
My goal is to create a fluid classroom environment that allows for student choice, movement, and social development.
The flexible seating plan I have created will provide a variety of work stations that allows students to place themselves in an area where they learn best. Students will have the choice to work in small groups or at individual desks for those who prefer their own space. These small groups will include tall tables that promote standing up, tables close to the floor so students may stretch out or sit on their knees, as well as traditional desks with yoga balls for those who like to wiggle.
I teach first graders, many of whom have attention issues. It is my belief that students who are not having to focus on sitting still or getting comfortable will be able to channel that energy in a more productive manner. Our students are only allotted one 15 minute recess each day and P.E. only meets twice a week. This is well below the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of movement each day. While I can’t control what happens once students leave my classroom, I will do everything in my power to provide them with an environment that encourages movement, attends to unique needs, and fosters positive self-esteem through individual success.
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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. Noaker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
