Helping students be successful is my purpose in life. Thanks to the generous people who donated to my last project, I have watched as some of my "unfocused" students self-manage by using Wiggle Seats so they can focus. This has led to successes in my classroom all year!
I teach 4th grade at a 90% economically disadvantaged school.
The majority of my students are labeled "At Risk". Our district is unique, as we allow "Schools of Choice". Students from all over my town are able to attend my school for their education; zoning does not apply. This unique set-up brings in children from all walks of life making our school beautifully diversified.
All labels and statistics aside, my students are curious and hungry for knowledge, and it is my passion and purpose in life to help them succeed. Where some might see an "unfocused" child, I see a young mind with unlimited potential that just needs a bit of extra help getting there. Where some might see an "angry" or "frustrated" child, I see a sweet soul that needs a safe place and outlet to vent.
My students have strengths and weaknesses, hopes and dreams. They are 10 year old children with their whole lives ahead of them.
My Project
I am requesting six "wiggle seats" (core balance cushions) to accommodate the large amount of students in need of an outlet to wiggle in my classroom. Last year, I used Donors Choose to get 6 wiggle seats for my students to use. A group of students in each of my classes found them incredibly helpful and it was great to watch these students self-manage when they knew they needed a wiggle outlet. I saw huge improvements in focus during class and tests when my students used them.
Along with the Wiggle Seats, I am requesting hand-held "fidgets" for students who need to move their hands, rather than their bodies to focus. I am also asking for colored overlays to help students with diagnosed and undiagnosed dyslexia.
It is incredibly important to me that I provide opportunities for my students to self-manage their needs so all of my students have the chance to be successful. No student is the same, no need is the same, so I'm requesting a variety of fidget objects and colored overlays.
I've already seen huge differences in my students that have used wiggle seats, and I want this outlet to be available to even more of my students.
Along with the wiggle seats that accommodate body wiggles, I want my students to have outlets for their hands, and extra help for their minds. It is of the utmost priority for my students to have a safe and accommodating learning environment no matter their "label" or "diagnosis" - all I see is young minds hungry for knowledge!
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. Jefferies and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.