My students need a high top table to assist with small group learning; the wobble stools are specifically to help students who need to wiggle while they learn (it's hard to sit still).
My students ("my kids") are a kind, creative, and spunky group of 8th graders. Their socioeconomic status spans the entire range, yet they come together to learn from each other. This year, I switched my classroom to a flexible seating environment, which allows the students to select their seats every day, and it also allows them to be comfortable (whatever that means to them that day).
In turn, this seating arrangement gives more of the responsibility of learning to the students, and they are proving that they can handle that responsibility.
Seeing them make good choices, help classmates, and relax and learn in a comfortable space has renewed my spirit (and theirs, too).
My Project
This year is my first year with flexible seating in my ELA classroom. Everything you see in my classroom has been funded personally or through furniture donations from friends and family.
I love what my room has become: a safe space where kids can sit and work where they are comfortable.
They move as needed for different types of work, and they understand the need to share the ‘coveted’ spaces. They are respectful of each other and of the space, as they realize this was created for them.
Throughout the year, I have seen a need for a few additional spaces, specifically a high-top table that seats only a few students, as well as ‘wobble’ stools that allow kids to wiggle a bit (but are much more durable than yoga balls). I have searched for months for used versions of these (which are more affordable), but I cannot locate anything. I have also learned that durable products are needed, even for the kindest 8th graders!
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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. Kidd and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
