I teach special education students in our school's cross-categorical classroom. My students come from diverse family structures and home supports. Since I am the only five to eight Special Education teacher, my students work with me for multiple years. Many spend a great deal of time in my classroom. Their needs range, but a large majority of my students deal with anxiety, attention deficit disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and depression paired with intellectual and learning disabilities. Many of my students are on the Autism spectrum and have a variety of sensory and processing needs. In the past, I have completed a Donor's Choose to focus on my students' sensory needs because my job is not just to teach them, but to help them learn how to navigate this world in the bodies they've been given.
My Project
In the past and with your help, I was able to start implementing flexible seating in my classroom. It has become such a popular choice that I often run out of optional seating. This year I have an increased amount of students with sensory needs. I have purchased additional seating and lighting, but I need help with the bigger items.
Flexible seating allows students to take charge of their learning and make the choices that work best for them.
Making sure students are comfortable is an essential component in motivating them and helping build a positive classroom and school culture. This is very important if I am going to instill a love of school and learning with my students. I need them to see that my classroom is built for their needs, not mine. Students who use flexible seating are more engaged and get more work completed compared to when they are just sitting at their desk.
The products that I have selected will help my students by giving them additional seating options to make more effective learning choices. The wobble stools are adjustable and will allow students to sit at desks/higher tables but will still allow some movement. These will be extremely beneficial for some students that just need to get the wiggles out. Yoga ball stability rings and the new stools will also allow movement and improve the functionality of the yoga balls purchased in the past. Along with seating, I would like to add a larger alternative light source to the room other than the flourescent bulbs we have currently in the school building.
All of the items I am trying to fund for our room will make our room more inviting, comfortable and productive for my students.
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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. Heflin and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
