Decision, Decisions! Let Students Make Some of Their Own.
My students need flexible ball seats and wobble chairs for more movement, and comfort throughout the day. Floor cushions are for those who want to sit on the floor or away from others.
I work in a low-income fifth-grade classroom, with 23 students that are eager to grow socially, emotionally, and develop relationships. Our school fosters intense intervention and support to students that require additional help. These students from other 5th grade classrooms join our classroom for this daily support. This causes a crowded workspace for both joining students and my current students. In addition to this complication, when teachers are absent, 6-7 more students will join each 5th-grade classroom in placement of a substitute. With limited table space, this causes students to be crowded around small tables with little workspace. Although my students are flexible, they become territorial and possessive of their space.
My students are full of energy, compassion, and an eagerness to learn.
Granting students the ability to learn in a classroom where making positive choices, and acting on personal expression creates a classroom community where students' flourish. In fifth grade, students are beginning to find their interdependence, and sway between friendships in a quest to find what makes them feel special. Allowing students the choice of where to sit, who to sit by, and the ability to change their mind is an important goal.
My Project
Within a student's life, they are told what to do, where to sit, and to get along. Allowing students the flexibility to make those decisions, are both empowering, and beneficial to student engagement. Students must learn to make choices that will benefit their education. By allowing students to pick up and move away from disruptions and arguments, they will be encouraged to seek out a work environment that promotes learning important life skills.
Studies show that students require more movement and stimulation to remain engaged in a lesson.
Students with ADD or ADHD require more sensory input and movement throughout the day. Wobble chair and stability balls provide that movement.
Floor pillows can establish a comfortable seat that can be moved with ease. Comfort is a key element in student engagement. When students are comfortable, they are calm, focused, and in tune with their learning.
Studies also show that students who receive more movement throughout the day will have the increased benefit for their overall health and well being.
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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 Ms. Sanchez and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
