As a special education teacher, I work with a wide range of students with varied needs and abilities. All of my students come to my classroom each day with their own unique learning styles. They love to learn by touching, feeling, smelling and exploring with various learning materials. Many of my students are driven by their sensory needs and work best when given opportunities to move as they learn. My wonderful special education students, have taught me how to expand my instructional practice by, "thinking outside the box". It is my goal to provide them with a learning space that accommodates and values their special needs.
My Project
I recently read an article by Kayla Delzer titled, "Why My 21st Century Classroom May Remind You of Starbucks" in which she explained that as a teacher, her classroom seating arrangement was inspired by the seating at Starbucks. The article explained that people often come to Starbucks to sit and work comfortably. Starbucks offers a wide range of seating options to its customers to help them stay comfortable while they work.
My students learn best when their sensory needs are being met in the classroom.
Just as the author of the article stated, I also want to offer the same Starbucks experience to my students- cozy chairs, different seating options, and the ability to decide where they want to sit.
Wobble seats will allow my students to receive the sensory input their bodies need while they learn. Lap trays will let my students complete their classwork without requiring them to remain seated at a desk. Bean bags will provide a comfortable place to listen to lessons and read. Flexible seating will allow my students to be available for learning by providing them with valuable sensory input.
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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. C. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.