Have you ever had a hard time sitting in a workshop or at your desk for a long time. Do you find yourself wiggling in your chair? Movement helps increase focus. My students experience this feeling everyday.
I have 10 special education students in my classroom.
I have 4th, 5th and 6th grade students. Our Intermediate Grade school is home to 1500 students. We are one of three Cross Categorical classrooms in our building. I have students with Down's Syndrome, Autism, Fragile X, Cerebral Palsy, Expressive and Receptive Language delays, ADD and ADHD. My students have cognitive delays in all academic areas. They also have delays in functional life skills. They receive speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy to meet their specific needs.
My Project
After several sensory workshops and collaboration with our Occupational Therapist I brought in 2 exercise balls to use at my reading table. It was amazing how the students responded to the balls. I had my concerns but they are long gone. I see an increase in attention and productivity when my students are sitting on the balls. Ball chairs channel a child's physical energy in a positive way, which allows them to focus on their work and become the best learners they can be. A second benefit to the ball chairs is it promotes good posture and increases core muscle strength. I have added 2 more ball chairs. One of my students asked me if he could use the ball chair at his desk, I asked why? He responded "sitting on the ball helps me concentrate and get my work done". I want to be able to give that experience to all my students on a daily basis. We have started a ball chart in the classroom so each of my students get a chance to use the ball at their desk.
My students face many challenges on a daily basis yet they come to school ready to try everyday.
They are an inspiration to many and deserve a chance to reach their full potential. These balls are one thing that will help them do that. When the brain is occupied by sitting on the ball it allows the student to concentrate on other tasks. We all have a wiggler inside us, help my students manage their wiggler and bring out the best person they can be in all areas of their lives.
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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. Gough and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.