My inclusive math classroom is comprised of bright young adults that are full of energy, charisma, and unique talents and needs. They get excited by challenges, projects, and tasks that require them to be creative, persevere, and take risks. Each class has a mix of typical students and students with disabilities that impede their learning. My school encourages recognition and appreciation of each and every student’s thinking and personal growth/successes.
My goal is for students to be empowered and engaged in a classroom that encourages them to collaborate and communicate mathematics confidently with their peers.
A 21st-century learning environment should be student-directed and facilitate growth of habits such as mutual respect, kindness, and innovation. We regularly participate in a variety of learning strategies to challenge them and meet their varying learning needs, while also allowing independence! I feel so grateful to meet each and every one of my amazing students each year.
My Project
This previous year, I shared a classroom with a teacher who had fantastic flexible seating options in her classroom for my students to utilize. During group or independent practice time, students were able to choose a seat in the room that worked best for them at that time. This looked different for each student. Some students preferred to sit in a group at traditional desks, some with a clipboard in a bungee chair, and for some students, laying down in a bean bag with a pair of headphones supported their focus. This year I will be in a new classroom that I would like to furnish with spaces for my students to best engage in learning.
Flexible seating choice have provided my students the opportunity for independence, responsibility, and collaboration.
Being engaged for 48 minutes, putting forth their best work, all while “sitting still” at an assigned desk, just does not work for some kids. The products I’ve selected will support my students by giving them additional seating options to make their learning time more effective. The Gaiam balance balls can provide an outlet for students who feel those urges to constantly be moving, but also have stability legs to stay in place when not in use! The convertible futon and coffee table will serve as a seating option for students to get comfortable in the math classroom as well as space to collaborate with their peers. By providing these workspaces, I’ve seen results in improved behavior, better attention, greater productivity, and a sense of responsibility.
I’ve seen a glimpse at how the simple power of seating choice can build community, promote accountability, and meet the needs of all of my students. I hope that next year I can see further positive impacts that flexible seating can offer to my kids!
DHP Pembroke Convertible Futon with Modern Design - Grey Linen
• Amazon Business
$139.34
1
$139.34
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Blue, 52cm
• Amazon Business
$19.98
2
$39.96
DHP Parsons Modern Coffee Table, Black Wood Grain
• Amazon Business
$38.70
1
$38.70
Materials cost
$218.00
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.27
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$251.27
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$44.34
Total project goal
$295.61
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$295.61
5 Donors
-$233.85
Donations toward project cost
-$200.27
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$33.58
match offer
-$60.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$51.00
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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 Ms. Baker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
