My students need Move-and-Sit cushions and Theraband tubing in order to help their young, restless bodies focus on learning while we are sitting in our seats!
My students are in our school building during a regular school day for 7 hours. If the student stays for our after-school program, FACES, then they may be at the school for up to 9 hours! Can you imagine 23 little bodies trying to concentrate on school for 7-9 hours a day? I can't either!
Everyday I give my students many opportunities to get up and get their bodies moving.
We take frequent breaks, have 15-minute literacy stations so that students aren't sitting for too long, and we like to dance in the afternoons to keep our bodies and brains in sync. I also allow my students to stand if they choose.
I have 23 students in my class this year, but that number changes. In fact, I am expecting two new students this coming week! Eleven of my students are boys and twelve are girls; each of them has unique needs, strengths, and interests. Did I mention that my class is a 3rd/4th grade blend? Teaching two grades adds an extra challenge, but I love it.
Our school is small. In fact, when I tell people we have about 150 students in the district they don't believe me! Having smaller class sizes in one of the key reasons I am proud to work where I work. Our staff collaborates on a consistent basis to make sure that students have what they need to succeed.
My Project
Currently, if a student is feeling squirrelly I have them take a walk up and down the hall to help get a little energy out. They also have the option to stand. If we are not taking a break or doing a movement activity soon, like PE, then my students may be missing out on learning if they are feeling like they need to get their energy out in the hall.
I have one Move-and-Sit Cushion right now, which is usually used by one of my more squirrelly students. I would love to have one available for every student so that everyone can have an outlet for their energy. Just a small movement while sitting on a Move-and-Sit Cushions allows students to work on their core strength and balance. This act not only allows them to quietly get their energy out and work on core strength and balance, it gives them the opportunity to stay in class and continue learning.
Your donations will help me increase learning time for my students.
Although I give my students many opportunities to get up and move throughout the day, they need a little boost to help them stay on task during the times that we need to be sitting. Help me help my students succeed!
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. Wood and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.