My students are one of a kind 5th graders that choose to come to our school from all over Northwest Arkansas, sometimes even driving 30 to 45 minutes just to do so! They are eager to learn and push themselves to find their limits, and then push past them, regardless of their race, religion, socioeconomic status, and above all, their abilities.
Even though they are the most motivated kiddos I have ever had the pleasure of teaching, after sitting in a chair all day, their energy levels make it a little more difficult for them to focus on absorbing new information.
While they do get PE every day for 30 minutes and two hours of electives, they do not get a recess where they can move around unless their elective is one of the few classes that allows them to do so in the classroom. While I wish I still had their enthusiasm and energy, I know that they often times see it as a major disadvantage because it's agonizing having to sit still in an uncomfortable, plastic chair.
That's where flexible seating comes in to minimize distractions, but lets kids be kids and move around while they learn.
My Project
My project is aimed to getting tools to help students with special needs tools to help them concentrate. Often times, students get in trouble for disrupting others (without even realizing it or meaning to) when they can't keep still, when in reality, fidgeting can be a great tool to help students focus.
By having options for students to move around a little bit within their seats, I can show them that while I care about them learning, I also can see they have their own individual needs that need to be met before they can fully succeed.
There are so many options when it comes to flexible seating. I noticed that students often times have to be moving and tapping their feet when working, and the chair bands and sitting balls would help with any noise.
I also have several students who like the freedom to sit on the floor and having something to set their Chromebook on would make them feel a sense of freedom from the usual table and chairs they are used to working in.
I want my students to feel accepted and comfortable in my classroom, and this is a way to show them that not only do I care about them, but that I will do everything I can to help them succeed.
ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk/Laptop Stand/Writing Table, Black
• Amazon Business
$25.00
3
$75.00
Gaiam Kids Stay-N-Play Children's Balance Ball - Flexible School Chair, Active Classroom Desk Seating with Stay-Put Stability Legs, Includes Air Pump, Lime Green, 45cm
• Amazon Business
$15.98
4
$63.92
CanDo Inflatable Donut Ball, Yellow, 17.7"
• Amazon Business
$8.50
5
$42.50
Chair Bands for Kids | Flexible Seating for Children with Fidgety Feet (10 Pack) | Perfect Alternative for Students in Classrooms | ADD, ADHD Sensory Fidget Supplies | Bonus Fidget Grips
• Amazon Business
$26.95
1
$26.95
Materials cost
$208.37
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$17.19
3rd party payment processing fee
$3.13
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$258.69
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$45.65
Total project goal
$304.34
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$304.34
1 Donor
-$102.00
Donations toward project cost
-$86.70
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$15.30
match offer
-$202.34
Match offer toward project cost
-$171.99
Match offer to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Hammond and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
