I have a class of 19 energetic and eager to learn first grade students. They come from low income, high poverty areas and all students receive free breakfast and lunch at our title one school. Most of my students do not have many resources available to them at home and often what we have in school is outdated.
We work hard to instill in our students that ALL children are capable of success - no exceptions.
I hope to give each student the tools and resources they need for their best chance at success in our, stimulating, active, technology driven, twenty-first century world.
My Project
We expect a lot from our students starting at such a young age. We ask them to sit, listen, focus, and learn with fewer and fewer breaks for their young minds and bodies. We ask them to keep their bodies still and their mouths quiet throughout read alouds, literacy and math instruction, small group instruction, and more each day. At 6 and 7 years old, these expectations can be a bit unrealistic. Thankfully, center activities allow us to plan some movement and talking into their learning, but it is often not enough.
Research shows that fidget and stress toys can improve focus, memory, and attention in students.
I would like to provide my students with fidget bands for their chairs to allow them to wiggle and bounce their feet and legs while at their desk without causing disruptions to their classmates. I'd also like to have a supply of fidgets for students to choose from that can keep busy hands occupied by twisting, turning, and squeezing objects in a productive way. My hope is that providing these resources to students will decrease distractions and increase productivity and learning in my fabulous first grade class!
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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. Imperato and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
