The students in my class are an extension of my family. We spend nearly two hundred days together in our classroom, and it's important that our classroom feels like a home. If you ask any of the approximately 25 students that I have each year, every one of them would talk about how they love working in teams throughout the room. Collaboration is a 21st century skill that can be cultivated in the right setting. No matter each student's socioeconomic background or academic needs, they all love to feel comfortable in the place they spend so much time.
My Project
One way to enhance the physical environment of our classroom is with flexible seating options. Not only do my students love having some choice in where they work, they also love collaborating! The level of physical comfort combined with our focus on building relationships and working together is at the core of reaching our goals and striving for excellence each day. Currently, we have two lap desks for working on the floor, three wobble discs for sitting around the table without legs, several plastic scoop chairs that rock on the floor, and six stools for pulling up to work at the counters around the perimeter of the room. Over the years, I either purchased these with my own money, had help from our generous PTA, or received an item as a gift from a thoughtful family. Some of these items need replacing, some are so popular I'd like to add a few more, and I know a standing desk would be a great option to add for the kids!
From inquiry-based, hands-on Science lessons like building a paper robotic finger or a model of the human eye, to researching together for writing our historic biographies, our 4th grade classroom is full of daily, collaborative lessons that require movement around the room and lots of partnerships and trios.
We play math games throughout the year, read to each other to practice fluency, and even make time for collaborative art projects. Quick, quiet transition times are part of our everyday procedures, so students know how to move to their work spots and get started right away. These flexible seating options will allow students to get comfortable and close, which are important to establish and sustain a collaborative working environment that is focused on learning! We love our home away from home!
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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. Kamarainen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.