Whenever I tell someone that I teach middle school, they immediately assume I'm crazy or tell me what a saint I am for putting up with young teenagers. No matter how it's presented, the message is always the same, "How could a person possibly CHOOSE to fill their day-to-day life with preteens?" Although it seems like an insane concept to most, this age group fills my days with a lot of joy and laughter.
In addition to being a lot of fun to teach, my current group of blessings is full of energy.
They are always asking if they will get to move around the room for the day's lesson, eager to stretch their legs. They love learning activities where I allow them to get up and move around the class to seek answers. Task cards, wobble chairs, and getting up to get supplies are a few of their favorite things. Although my kids are reluctant to admit it, they also love reading, especially when the story is about a real person or event. My current group of kids enjoys discussing, questioning, and researching important, current event topics. They are awesome and encouraging young adults!
My Project
When I was earning my undergrad at Ball State, one of my favorite education professors profoundly claimed, "flexibility is the key to teaching." At the time, this meant nothing to me. But now, five years into my career as an educator, I've learned that there is a lot of truth to that. However, I believe that flexibility in the classroom should come in all forms, including the seating options.
As I reevaluate my teaching practices, I see a need to create a more inviting and engaging learning environment.
Flexible seating is a way to diversify seating options and create a more inclusive atmosphere where all types of learners can have their needs met. I am seeking to build a space where young adults who prefer to stand while reading, can. Where students who need to bounce on a chair to exert energy have that option. Where my learners who need to sprawl out on the floor to write, have the space to do so.
This project will fund a well-researched design idea that is gaining momentum throughout the world of public education. Through my investigating, I have found that by providing seating options in the classroom, such as comfy chairs or standing desks, student engagement and behavior improves. Also, physical activity is directly correlated to higher academic performance, which can be made more accessible in a classroom that has seating options. I aspire to design a room that requires less sitting upright and offers more flexible movement for my energetic young adults.
The educational needs of my students are changing, and if I am planning to be an effective educator, I need to be flexible, as that is the key.
Trideer 65cm Ball Chair Flexible Seating Exercise Yoga Balancing Ball with Stability Ring & Pump (Office & Home & Classroom) (Ball with Ring (Dark Blue), 65cm)
• Amazon Business
$32.99
4
$131.96
Winsome Obsidian Pub Table Round Black Mdf Top with Black Leg And Base - 23.7-Inch Top, 39.76-Inch Height
• Amazon Business
$61.37
2
$122.74
Tufted Support Padded Boosted Cushion, Blue
• Amazon Business
$18.99
6
$113.94
Flash Furniture 30'' High Backless Black Metal Indoor-Outdoor Barstool with Square Seat
• Amazon Business
Laptop Bed Tray Table NNEWVANTE Foldable Laptop Bed Desk Lap Desk Portable Travel Table, Breakfast Tray with legs Colouring Desk for Bed Couch Floor, Adults Students Kids(Green)
• Amazon Business
$13.93
3
$41.79
Limelights LT2024-WHT Brushed Steel Lamp with Charging Outlet and Fabric Shade, White
• Amazon Business
$19.99
2
$39.98
DHP Parsons Modern End Table, Black Wood Grain
• Amazon Business
$15.29
2
$30.58
Materials cost
$604.15
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$9.06
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$643.21
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$113.51
Total project goal
$756.72
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$756.72
5 Donors
-$695.00
Donations toward project cost
-$593.75
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$101.25
match offer
-$58.19
Match offer toward project cost
-$49.46
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. Neff and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.