I teach a very diverse group of twenty-three 5th graders at a public K-5 elementary school in the Silicon Valley of California. My students have a variety of linguistic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Over 50% of our students are English learners, and more than a third come from low income families.
My job is to help prepare students for success in middle school and beyond as they reach their personal and educational goals.
We are becoming lifelong learners and contributing members of society who think critically and are constantly problem solving. Each year is a new adventure, and I consider myself very fortunate to be able to learn alongside such amazing young people!
My Project
It's time to be flexible! I've been working hard this year to increase the number of flexible seating options available to my 5th graders. They currently have a yoga ball, a few wobble stools and cushions, and some surf-desks, thanks to the generosity of amazing DonorsChoose donors! What is missing from our assortment is the option to stand while learning or sit at a bar-height table.
A bar-height pedestal table and sturdy, tall stools will allow my 5th grade students to stand while working, or sit near the outskirts of our classroom, allowing for more movement and focus.
A number of my students have difficulty sitting still and concentrating, some would rather sit apart from others when trying to focus, and others do their best thinking when standing. This presents a huge challenge in the traditional classroom, in which 20-30 large preteen bodies are crowded around old-fashioned desks and chairs. The commercial-grade table and durable metal stools we are requesting are sure to last for years, and will be utilized and enjoyed by countless students, who will finally be able to take charge of their learning and make work choices that are best suited to their needs. These additions to our classroom will be used by students throughout the day in every subject, from reading and writing, to math and hands-on science investigations.
I have already seen increased comfort, pride, and engagement in learning with the addition of various seating options, and am eager to offer another unique choice. With so many flexible workstation options in the tech industry that surrounds our Silicon Valley school, it makes logical sense to offer these choices to individuals when they are young! After all, they are our future!
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. Paulson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
