This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
My students guide their learning through a workshop process where they are involved in center based learning, independent practice, small group instruction, guided reading, mini lessons, and time in our school computer lab. I work hard every day to instill a love of learning, especially in reading!
Our students are thriving and excited to learn, even though our school is considered 100% economically disadvantaged.
Teachers in our school collaborate to assist all students to become on-track in reading. Most of our students come with less, so we must give them more. They come with less background knowledge, fewer experiences, a smaller vocabulary, and less exposure to educated adults than that afforded to students in affluent areas. They are coming with experiences some adults will never fathom. Let's work together to prevent these students from becoming another devastating statistic.
My Project
When was the last time you sat straight up at a desk, in a hard chair, trying to read or work? Have you changed your seat to a place where you can focus? Have you purchased that “just right” chair? I am starting this project to help my students succeed by providing a student-centered flexible classroom, a classroom that provides students with choices for their learning space to be successful. Being successful might look different for every student, subject and project.
A classroom should be a place where you feel welcomed, comfortable and excited to learn.
I cannot expect my students to make appropriate choices and problem solve in life if I make their first choice by telling them where to sit. It is a life skill for students to learn to make positive choices to be their best selves. Work space is a start: not only the area of the room, but the people they surround themselves with.
I would like to create more options of areas throughout my classroom for students to sit. Research supports that with appropriate seating and group choices, students seem happier and more engaged, they improve their grades and focus, they participate more and have more invigorating conversations. Some of the seating options improve core strength and posture and even burn calories. These options are especially great for students who have trouble with attention and hyperactivity. I am asking for two Kore wobble chairs, a ball chair, two highback beanbag chairs, and two vestibular discs.
Whether it be to sit on a stool, lie on a carpet, lean on a pillow, stand at a desk, wobble on a chair or yoga ball, sit at a traditional desk or use a clipboard or tray, let’s let the choice be theirs.
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. Madigan and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
