Located on an Air Force Base, our school's population is made up of mainly the children of active duty military members. I love that my students come from all over the world. This, however, means they have to work even harder to fill in the learning gaps that result from their parents' periodic change of duty stations. My goal is to educate all students to their highest potential and meet their individual learning goals in the best possible learning environment. Our class is in need of flexible seating to help make this happen.
My Project
So much has changed in the world and education. The traditional desk and chair are no longer conducive to learning. My second graders come to school full of energy and are eager to learn. Expecting them to sit, on a cold hard chair at a desk, and have their enthusiasm for learning to remain isn't going to happen!
How can we expect children born in the 21st century to stay seated at a school desk that hasn't changed much since its invention in 1880?
That's right the first school desk was invented in 1880 and it hasn't changed much. Current research has shown that students with flexible seating are able to focus better on the task at hand. Even with just a few flexible seating options available in my classroom during the 2018-19 school year, I saw an amazing difference. Students who were easily distracted and often unable to complete assignments on time were now more focused and turning work in early. Even more intriguing was the rise in problem solving and perseverance. Quite often, as soon as something became the least bit challenging many students would give up. After introducing flexible seating I saw a rise in their perseverance. They were now taking the time to work things out and trying different approaches. It was as if having the flexible seating not only gave them a physically comfortable environment to learn and work, but a mentally comfortable one in which they would take risks and strive to succeed on their own.
This project will help bring 21st century flexible seating to our classroom. To provide the best learning environment for my students they need to be comfortable and feel at home in their classroom. I look forward to seeing great things accomplished from their new flexible seating.
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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. Logan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
