I have been an administrator for 13 years. Last year, we moved to a small county in Florida, and I decided to take a 4th grade teaching position. This was the hardest thing I have done professionally. This year, at my request, I am going to teach math and science.
I come into this school year with a bit more knowledge about not only of the students in our community, but a better perspective of how to manage active students.
The students in our districts range in diversity and socioeconomic backgrounds. Fifty one percent of our students are economically disadvantaged, but even so, they are smart, extremely well mannered, and very caring. They understand that there is no excuse, and we all work with what we have and with that attitude we were rated an "A" school and named the best school district in Florida for the first time. Our students have the southern mannerisms you would expect. They will say "ya'll, yes sir, no sir" etc. You would be hard pressed not to see the goodness in the students we serve.
My Project
I am looking to build my vision of a classroom that is 90% flexible seating. The items I have listed will go a long way in completing that goal. I have personally invested in yoga balls, wobble cushions, a futon, and standing desks, but need some help to cross the finish line.
Math and science are subjects that call for a lot of collaboration, flexible seating will help create that collaborative atmosphere I envision.
Flexible seating, will also help to reduce the fidgeting of students that leads to other students being distracted. Less desks, also means more space for my students to get up and move around the classroom as I implement specific Kagen strategies to develop classroom collaboration.
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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 Mr. Wagner and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.