This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
My students are faced with several challenges both in and out of the classroom. All students in our system, due to living in a high-poverty area, receive free breakfast and lunch through the community eligibility program. The majority of my sweet students do not attend preschool before entering Kindergarten. A large number of them are EL learners. I am looking to keep things simple and provide my students with creative, developmentally appropriate, and meaningful learning experiences. The growth from August to May is almost unbelievable! Our school is special in that we are a Kindergarten-only school. Everything we do is for 5-6 year olds! We typically serve around 500 students a year!
I have been teaching and LOVING Kindergarten since 1995.
I taught 1/2 a school year in first grade. I am blessed, honored, and humbled to be able to teach and influence 20 Kindergarten students each school year. Each child has a story and I am honored to be part of that.
I am grateful to have had Donor's Choose grant proposals funded in the past. I am glad to be back and hopeful someone will see the value in the materials I am requesting for my kiddos!
My Project
I am requesting items that will allow for flexible, or alternative, seating in my classroom. The purpose of flexible seating is to give students the power of choice. They should be comfortable and ready to learn. How students position themselves to learn is as different as their individual learning styles.
The flexible seating classroom model has advantages in keeping students focused and engaged while improving their academic and social performance.
Some benefits of flexible seating include: Comfort: Students are more comfortable, allowing them to focus for longer periods of time. This leads to higher academic achievement. Differentiated Seating: Flexible seating is essentially “differentiated” seating. There are many different choices, some options giving children the sensory input that they need. Improved Behavior: Students are less disruptive and are able to burn off energy throughout the day. Flexible Seating Empowers Students. When students feel they have some control over their environment, they are often more engaged and perform better academically. Flexible seating gives students the mobility they need to express their energy, which in turn, keeps them alert and focused.
It is no secret that students need to move. When children cannot move, they become distractive, possibly even disruptive. Flexible seating allows kiddos to wobble, twist, kick, bounce, kneel, lean, sit, fidget, or stand to meet their needs. With more students being diagnosed with sensory issues that require sensory breaks, many types of alternative seating can stimulate the student’s sense of touch. This type of stimulation can help children focus and process information. There are also immediate benefits of Flexible Seating such as burning calories, reducing stress, improving posture, and (very important) improving core strength. Thank you for considering my proposal!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk/Laptop Stand/Writing Table, Black
• Amazon Business
$25.00
4
$100.00
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Grey, 45cm
• Amazon Business
$16.28
4
$65.12
Kore Kids Wobble Chair - Flexible Seating Stool for Classroom & Elementary School, ADD/ADHD - Made in USA - Age 6-7, Grade 1-2, Yellow (14in)
• 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. Barclift and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
