My students need more stability balls and an alternate type of seating for some who need another choice because the stability ball did not meet their needs.
My class is full of fun, personality, love, chatting AND ENERGY! Energy is wonderful and trying. Stability balls keep kids in their seats and help with focus. I also found the stability balls did not meet all needs. I like the kids to have a choice and am hoping Hokki stools provide it.
I have a diverse group of students with, like all people, have different needs and wants.
I want to ensure that my students know that even though there are rules and standards to be met there are still choices in our room. I am the type of person who cannot sit still for very long. I also am the type of person who does not like to be told exactly what to do. I know many of my kids feel the same way, they want a little bit of ownership of their choices in the room. We want our room to have high expectations but have room for personal choices and preferences and be the kind of room where a bit of movement and wiggling is essential!
My Project
My students will be able to make choices about their seating arrangements. It is important to know you have some control of your own situations. The students will be able to focus when others are speaking. If a subject is difficult or causes some stress for the student the Hokki stools and stability balls will ease the tension and stress. They will be able to move and wiggle in a manageable way that does not disturb the others in the class. It is important to have one's personal needs met, but equally as important to not encroach upon other's personal needs and space.
I found that my classroom was calmer and my students felt less stress when they had a choice of seating.
It is important to be cool, calm, and collected. I always tell that to my students at the beginning of the year and I get many inquisitive looks. I explain that being cool means you have it together and are ready to learn. Calm is your mind and body are working together in a relaxed way. Finally collected means you are alert and ready to give your best effort to the tasks at hand.
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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. Barbaro and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.