My students need a variety of seating options in order to increase student engagement, independence, and enhance their overall academic experience and success.
My school is full of unique learners! My students at my school are inquisitive and resilient scholars. In order for many students to continue to grow, they need to feel safe, encouraged, and comfortable in their classroom setting. Through flexible seating, students will be able to take charge of their learning by choosing what kind of learning space works best for them.
Flexible seating offers a warm, welcoming environment where all students can learn in the best way that works for them!
My school is a Madison public school which serves approximately 390 students living on Madison’s west side. My school is expanding the traditional role of a school in our community by providing and connecting with wrap-around services that meet the basic needs of our racially and economically diverse families. Families served by my school are 33% Hispanic/Latino, 28% African American, 18% White, 12% multiracial, 8% Asian and 76% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch. As a result of our commitment to family engagement and meeting students' individual needs, my school has dramatically increased academic achievement and attendance, decreased student behavior, and is ranked both highest and most improved in the district for school climate.
My Project
With these materials, I will be able to implement flexible seating into my classroom. A flexible seating classroom offers non-traditional seating arrangements for students to choose from such as wobble stools, stability balls, bouncy bands, standing tables, stools, bean bags, etc.
Flexible seating in a classroom offers a variety of benefits to students, including giving students the choice to sit where they work best empowering students to take control of their learning.
Flexible seating promotes physical health by providing the movement with wobbling, rocking, bouncing, standing, etc, while maintaining a calm environment and increasing focus and attention to learning tasks. Flexible seating also fosters classroom community and encourages student collaboration. Research shows that flexible seating increases student oxygen flow to the brain and it improves core strength and overall posture.
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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. Hagen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.