Help me give my students seating options, educational tools, and materials that will help create a classroom that will promote learning! This includes balance ball chairs with stands, a variety of balance scales, and appealing light filters!
A metaphor I use for my third grade classroom is a shoe store. We all have different abilities, strengths, and passions. We all have different shoes, and it's important to find just the right pair. We don't want a pair that's too big, or we might not be able to keep up. We don't want shoes too small; or we might not be comfortable. Some of us might need a heel support, or velcro, because they fit our needs. Embracing individuality and learning from each other is something I strive to achieve in the classroom.
When considering the needs and styles of learners in my third grade classroom, I realize there needs to be many different products to provide a comfortable working atmosphere for a range of modalities including visual, auditory and kinetic, and creative expression.
Providing alternative seating and learning options can help student motivation and lead to an increase in student engagement. In today's dynamic, fast-paced, and ever-changing world full of choices, it's important to provide our youth with opportunities to practice 21st century learning skills by creating classroom environments that are conducive to open collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking.
My Project
Last year I introduced a variety of flexible seating options into our classroom. The balance ball seats with stands encouraged productivity by decreasing restlessness and fidgeting to help improve concentration and focus. The recommended user height for my current chairs is between 42- 51 inches. The chairs I am requesting will allow taller students an opportunity to explore a more engaging, active learning option.
To improve student engagement, I have also requested a variety of balance scales to support math units on mass.
Currently, I have one scale to use as a model, and waste valuable teaching time giving each student a chance to explore hands-on measurement. I could utilize our time better and improve their understanding if students were each given the opportunity to manipulate various measurements in small groups. We use these scales in the classroom to measure various objects, and use clay to estimate mass.
Throughout the day, students frequently ask to turn the lights off to create a more comfortable environment from the fluorescent lights in the classroom. I have researched and requested blue filters that covers the light panels to help eliminate harsh glare, eyestrain, headaches, and even anxiety caused by typical fluorescent lighting to help create a more soothing and calming environment.
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair – Exercise Stability Yoga Ball Premium Ergonomic Chair for Home and Office Desk with Air Pump, Exercise Guide and Satisfaction Guarantee, Green
• Amazon Business
$62.98
2
$125.96
Learning Resources Precision School Balance, Learn Math & Science Concepts, Ages 8+
• Amazon Business
$34.99
2
$69.98
Learning Resources Pan Balance
• Amazon Business
$23.19
2
$46.38
hand2mind Red Economy Plastic Math Balance for Kids
• Amazon Business
$8.95
3
$26.85
Educational Insights 1232 Patterned Fluorescent Light Filters—2-Pack
• Amazon Business
$18.95
1
$18.95
Materials cost
$288.12
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$4.32
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$322.44
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$56.90
Total project goal
$379.34
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$379.34
4 Donors
-$326.79
Donations toward project cost
-$322.44
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
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. Sousa and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
