My fifth-grade math students work hard in the classroom to master difficult fifth-grade math standards. Many have never experienced a guided math classroom and, as a result, they still struggle with concepts introduced in lower grades. What they do show me every day is their desire for learning math in my flexible classroom and their utter joy when they understand and master a new skill!
My students are part of a fifth grade class that is comprised of approximately 270 students with varied backgrounds and diverse abilities.
We are a mostly rural, Title I school, with over 50% of our students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunches. I know that the guidance that I offer these students daily in math class may be the difference in their future math success and that our small group work time is essential to building new understandings.
My students all want opportunities to grow as math learners and a classroom environment that empowers them to practice new skills and to problem solve while working and interacting cooperatively with others.
My Project
My classroom is a furniture work in progress. Six years ago my fifth grade classroom housed 30 student desks. I knew I wanted to offer my students more flexible seating options and soon, as classroom budgeting allowed, we moved from desks to round tables. I then added dry erase tables, a counter with bar stools, wobble stools, and a variety of kitchen stools. Our furniture is in constant flux as students self-select the furniture that meets their needs on any given day.
Flexible seating options help build community and empower students by giving them freedom of choice in where they work.
Adding the three Flex-Space Comfy Floor Seats from Lakeshore Learning would give my students the opportunity to work on math skills in small flexible groups on the carpet in my classroom. Empowered students with a sense of belonging are more likely to master grade level math skills. Please help add to our seating choices by donating to our project.
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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. Goben and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
