My classroom is comprised of 15 high-energy students. Approximately half have attention disorders and/or have experienced childhood trauma. Some of these students are receiving medicine and/or services to cope and build resilience, but most do not. Students struggle with finding a way to use their energy productively and safely at school.
My high-energy students love to choose their own seating!
However we struggle with finding a way to share the seating among everyone, equally. The students each have their own individual desk with an attached chair. Very few students ever choose to sit in their desk, because they are not comfortable and they do not feel that they can work productively while maintaining self-control. My students have specifically asked for more seating options.
My Project
Currently in our classroom, we have some padded crate seats, bean bags, a bench, two padded chairs, and one ball chair. The students also each have their own stationary desk with attached seat. These options do not allow the students to silently and efficiently move their bodies as they work productively, with the exception of the ball chair. With the few options that we do have, there is still not enough flexible seating for everyone to utilize equally and fairly. It is my goal to provide enough options for everyone and that everyone can find their perfect seating that helps them to be the most academically successful.
My students recognize their need to move about and release energy while they work in order to be the most productive.
I see student focus increase when using the more unconventional seating options because they can mindlessly move about, and yet remain on task at the same time. Having more variety of options will allow the students to experiment with the different movements and find the perfect fit for their learning needs. It will also provide every student with an equal opportunity to choose the seating as they see fit.
Kore Patented WOBBLE Chair, Made in the USA, Active Sitting for all ages, Toddler thru Pre-Teen; Kids don't have to sit still anymore - "The BEST seat in any Classroom"! - Red - Junior (16in)
• Amazon Business
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. Henne and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
