My students need 12 chair balls. 3rd graders have a lot of energy to focus, and having a balance ball 1/2 the day will help to channel their creative energy.
STRRRRRRRReeeeeeeTTCHHHHHHHH! Everyone needs a good stretch to strengthen the blood-flow into the brain. Balance balls have been all the rage in the modern workplace. I would like to bring chair balls into my classroom to help my third graders stay strong and focused both physically and mentally.
My 3rd graders are a lively bunch that need constant movement to keep their 8 and 9 year old bodies focused.
We move from our desks to the carpet for lessons. We move around the room for literacy centers and math activities. We move our bodies whenever we can- "Give me jazz hands if you circled 'true' on question 10!". They are always engaged and ready to learn, but often have a hard time sitting still. I empathize with their need to wiggle and move around, but there are times when sitting and working are required, and some only have so much self-control over their bodies.
Repeatedly throughout the day I remind students to not put their feet up in their chairs or not to lean back in their seats. Mostly it worries me that they will loose balance and hurt themselves or someone near to them. I would like to provide them with a safe way to stretch and wiggle their extra energy out. Chair balls would be the perfect balance to our high-energy classroom!
My Project
I am requesting balance balls for half of my class. The balance balls are child-sized and have "udders" on the bottom as an added safety feature. I plan to have students buddy with another student in the room. The first half of the day buddy A will use the balance ball. After lunch buddy B will have the ball. Having half a day with a balance ball will help focus extra energy so that creative thinking can be channeled to the work ahead of them instead of being lost by mindless fidgeting.
By providing my students with access to a physical outlet in the classroom they will better be able to direct their focus toward classroom learning, giving them a brighter future as they are better able to manage their comprehension skills.
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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. Terry and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
