Determined, respectful, hard-working, motivated, intelligent--- these are the students at Underwood Middle School in Underwood, Iowa. We are a 1:1 school district made up of the small communities of Underwood, McClelland, Weston, and Bentley, and our students understand that hard work is important when it comes to school. They are open to learning in new and diverse ways. Their ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with their peers is something that our students achieve consistently.
Their growth mindsets push them to become their best and is shown through their work ethic and teamwork.
In the classroom, students are constantly holding meaningful conversations as well as utilizing respectful listening skills. They understand that they might not know everything immediately but by bouncing ideas off one another they come up with authentic outcomes.
My Project
Flexible seating is a term that caught my eye about a year ago. I would read various articles about how students were more engaged in their learning when they were able to make their own choice of where they could sit, how it could help promote being active in the classroom (instead of the normalcy of being stagnant the entire day), and in order to be even more effective my teaching would need to adapt right along with it. I couldn't help but think that this is exactly what my students need. At my school the junior high kids do not have recess. I firmly believe that my students need to have more opportunities throughout the day to be active, even if it's in the smallest way.
Flexible seating will not be something that transforms my classroom in a day, but I do feel like it is my duty to try and reach my students on a different level, one that makes them more active, engaged, enthusiastic, and comfortable.
As I watch my students sit at their desks, I notice that most, if not all, seem uncomfortable, awkward, and unable to focus. With collaboration being a key component of my curriculum, tables and alternative seating would only benefit my students and their learning environment. I would like to make my classroom a place where every student can learn their own way, in the best way.
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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. Hjelle and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
