My students need flexible seating options, such as wobble chairs and comfortable floor seats in order to maintain a varied and comfortable learning environment.
Inquirers. Problem Solvers. Collaborators. These three words describe the 22 students in my 5th grade classroom. Learning in an International Baccalaureate school, my energetic students thrive on hands-on learning through inquiry-based activities. I love teaching in a diverse classroom. My students come from many different backgrounds with varying abilities. I teach students with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, diagnosed attention issues, students who speak languages other than English, and students who attend gifted and talented. In addition, my students' socioeconomic statuses range from homeless to wealthy, with the majority of my students falling in the middle class range.
Because my students work collaboratively throughout much of the day, it is imperative to give them the flexibility to move about the room and learn in a comfortable environment that meets the needs of their learning styles.
My Project
Students need to move... a lot! My students love to choose where they will sit when working in groups. They also prefer to sit on more comfortable seats. Although the two beanbags in my classroom are old and worn out, the students still rush to use them. Supplying my students with wobble chairs and soft, floor seating will help increase a classroom climate conducive to feeling safe and comfortable.
Research has shown that allowing students to move around and choose the type of seats they prefer results in greater retention and increased student engagement.
My students work together on many projects, and much of their time is spent on the floor. They also love to find a quiet spot to read a great book. Having additional seating options will allow my extra energetic students to move while still being able to focus and also give the students a softer place to sit besides the hard tile floor.
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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. Hunsinger and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
