My eager group of 50 5th graders come into the classroom ready to learn and grow as learners, but after about 5 minutes of sitting, I start to lose them. I have become flexible myself by allowing them to stand while listening, or exchanging their chair for a stool that I have in my classroom. We never sit still for more than 10 minutes since we are always engaged in classroom centers and activities, but for those few minutes of whole group learning they need the comfort that fits their active bodies.
My Project
My goal is to create a creative and flexible learning environment for my 50 different learning-style students. Our bodies were not meant to sit behind a desk and listen to a teacher lecture all day. My classroom is set up as a constantly moving and collaborating environment, therefore my seating should reflect that.
My plan is to have a different seating arrangement for each of my five tables.
Table one will be stability balls, table two will be stools, table three will be floor pillows with the table dropped low, table four will be chairs, and table five will be raised for standing. This set up will allow a wide variety of comfort for all of my students.
Flexible seating is a new form of classroom management for behavior and learning. Studies has shown that if effectively used in the classroom, then students engage better and for longer periods of time. A school in Albemarle County that implemented flexible seating saw an increase in students' grades, their students seemed happier and more engaged, and their students were participating with more invigorating conversations. My vision is to offer comfort to help create a peaceful and cooperative classroom.
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Blue, 52cm
• Amazon Business
$19.43
5
$97.15
32" BLUE MANDALA FLOOR PILLOW CUSHION SEATING THROW COVER HIPPIE DECORATIVE Bohemian Ottoman Poufs, Pom Pom Pillow Cases,Boho Indian
• Amazon Business
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. Sovey and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
