This year I have the amazing opportunity to teach our first ever Social Thinking Model classroom.
We are a Title I school located in Navarre, Florida.
We currently serve grades 3-5.
Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) present unique educational programming challenges, due to their complex neurodevelopmental, social, and behavioral difficulties. Our Social Thinking classroom will focus on providing a continuum of support and services for the individualized need of all students across an array of functioning and grade levels. The Social Thinking Model Classroom was designed for students who have significant social skills deficits, which have thus far impacted their performance in a general education classroom. The students in the Social Thinking Model classrooms take The Florida Standards Assessment (FSA) and their instruction is aligned to the general education standards.
My Project
A flexible seating classroom is one in which traditional desk and chairs are replaced or supplemented with floor seating, standing tables, balance balls, and other comfortable seating options.
By providing my students with flexible seating I will be giving them the power of choice.
They do not have the option to avoid classroom assignments but they will have the option of where they will complete their work. They will feel more empowered and encouraged to take responsibility in their own education.
It is my goal to create a classroom that encourages open communication, collaboration, critical thinking, decision making, and creativity. By clearing my room of bulky furniture like desks, filing cabinets and tables, I will be making room for more movement and hands-on learning activities.
Mathew T. Maher completed a research paper ("Effects of a Classroom-Based Program on Physical Activity and On-Task Behavior".) and found that "Simple in-class activities can boost performance. Studies suggest that children who participate in short bouts of physical activity within the classroom have more on-task behavior, with the best improvement seen in students who are least on-task initially."
We are requesting two Zenergy ball chairs, four cube seats, and one peanut balance ball. With your generosity and my vision, I will be able to provide a 21st-Century learning environment for my students to excel no matter how diverse their learning styles may be.
Autism is seeing the world form a different angle.
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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 Ms. Mitchell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
