My students need these balance balls, because as English language learners my students find the learning material extremely difficult. Giving them this option will help them focus on what they are learning.
Each one of my students is unique. I teach in a sheltered ELL/World Relief classroom. This means that I have one classroom, but all students are learning English, and come from other countries. I have students from Mexico, Nepal, Syria, and the Congo. They speak Spanish, Nepalese, Hindi, Arabic, and Swahili.
Although all of my students are in fifth grade, they have more life experience than I have, and may ever have.
Each student is at least bilingual, and for this reason, are not learning at a fifth grade standard. I have many bright, dedicated students, but they fall behind because they perform at grade levels 1-5.
Because the scope of my students' learning is so vast, it is sometimes difficult to help all of them, all the time. I started a Donors Choose account to help my students gain access to materials that will help futher their much-needed, individualized education.
My Project
I am asking for 12 balance/yoga balls for my students as a way to maximize their learning potential. They are all students who are learning English as a second (or third) language. Reading, science, and math are all subjects that contain a LOT of English. This makes school very difficult for them. I can't imagine going to China or Nepal, learning their language at a fifth grade level, as well as the normal school workload. Having these balance balls as an option will help my students who like to fidget, tap, rock, or anything that will help them focus on the content that they are learning. I have tried fidget toys such as pipe cleaners or play-doh, but they are too distracting. Having a seating option that allows them to move in different ways will help their brain focus.
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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. Garceau and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
