The students I have the privilege to teach this year are a diverse group of bright and enthusiastic learners. I was lucky enough to teach many of them last year in 4th grade, and know that they each come with a unique set of skills, interests, and learning styles.
One thing is for sure, they are ready to take on a fabulous year of learning and fun in 5th grade!
This year, I anticipate having about 20 students in my classroom. I absolutely love teaching 5th grade, and it's a big year for my students as they begin to further understand that learning can be fun, valuable and very much worth the effort! It is so rewarding to see the growth in my students throughout the 5th grade year. I take great pride in seeing them take charge of their learning, and as they become more independent and accountable, they appreciate being involved in the decisions regarding their learning, especially when it comes to where they sit at various points throughout the day!
My Project
Take a moment to imagine an optimal environment for comfort, collaboration, learning, and productivity. You’re probably not thinking of rows of desks, stiff chairs, and the lovely fluorescent lighting that dominate most classrooms today, are you?! While I may not be able to do much about desks and lightbulbs, with your help and support we could provide my students with a refreshingly different classroom environment this school year - one that contains enough structure to support its many unique learners, but also one with enough flexibility to adapt to unique needs and preferences.
The goal of flexible seating is to better engage students and empower them with choices by providing diverse seating options.
Flexible seating facilitates student-centered, collaborative learning, fosters a positive classroom community, and even promotes healthy, kinesthetic learning. While some students work better at their desks, I have so many students who love having the choice of moving their seats at different parts of the day!
Last year, I started to implement components of flexible seating in in my classroom, and it worked wonders! Students absolutely loved having the choice to work at their desks, and the option to venture out to a new spot. I have a few areas designated in my room for them to choose from already, as I transformed my own desk into a VIP seat for the kids, and also created a standing station for students who grow tired of sitting.
This project would provide my class with more options for flexible seats, specifically for when students choose to work independently or collaboratively on the floor. Having a few balance ball seats, cushioned floor seats and lap desk options to work on will provide the students with a comfortable and functional work space. Thank you for your consideration to support our classroom!
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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 Mrs. Dyer and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.