My elementary school serves first through third graders. A huge passion of mine has always been around classroom climate.
I train and expect my students to be independent, hard-working and cooperative learners focused on setting and reaching their own individual goals.
I offer a variety of seating options including adjustable stools, exercise balls, wobble stools, tall stools, traditional chairs and cushioned benches to sit on everyday.
I opt to not use overhead fluorescent lighting. Instead I have provided over thirty lamps throughout the classroom to foster a more relaxing environment for learning.
We listen to instrumental music during our independent work times in the background.
My students know they are safe, loved and valued. We are family.
My Project
Students spend a large portion of their school day seated. Flexible, alternative seat choices provide a small bit of appropriate movement. This movement increases blood flow to the brain, which is better for brain function (and learning!).
Movement helps students "get the wiggles out".
This movement helps students focus by expending the excess energy they build up throughout the day. Sitting on alternative seats also supports and builds students' core muscles.
Currently, my third grade classroom contains traditional chairs, cushioned benches, wobble stools, exercise balls and ergonomic stools. The addition of six sturdy wobble stools will provide my students more seating options.
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 Mrs. Heather Stewart and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
