I teach a class of bright, excited, and curious group of six and seven year-old first graders. We are a turnaround charter school in a high poverty area of North Philadelphia. Over 96 percent of our students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. In the seven years since becoming a charter school, our students have made remarkable gains in both reading and math.
My goal as their teacher is to increase their knowledge and skills in the academic subjects, but also to help them grow as independent problem solvers with strong social-emotional skills.
My Project
When children come to school, they should be able to sit and move in ways that feel comfortable to them. Children learn best when they are comfortable and their sensory needs are being met, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what this looks like for every child. I want to increase the seating options in my classroom from just the traditional tables and chairs to include wobble stools, pillows, yoga balls, and sensory cushions. These options will allow students to wiggle and move in non-distracting ways, and this kind of physical activity and movement has been shown to have many benefits for children including increased motivation and engagement.
In the flexible seating model, students will be able to choose where and how to sit to help them focus and learn best.
They will have the freedom to choose whether to sit in a chair, on a pillow on the floor, or in a wobble stool that helps children with sensory needs focus. In my classroom of diverse learners, some of whom have disabilities, the flexibility to choose their own seating will drive independence and problem-solving skills.
To go along with the seating options, I am also requesting some organizational tools like cubby storage and book baggies since students will no longer have assigned seats. Using these new organizational tools will also increase students' organizational skills and independence as learners.
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
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 Ms. Marcus and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
