Our classroom is full of bright-eyed 8 year olds who come from all over the world! I teach a diverse population, and most of my students are English language learners. I cherish the children I teach and I value the many countries they come from and the cultures they share with myself and their fellow friends!
Learners who are acquiring English as a second language deserve specific support from their teachers, which should always involve 'whole body learning'!
Really though, all learners in any classroom need this kind of kinesthetic learning, where their brains are engaging in movement that helps to solidify knowledge.
My Project
So often we find ourselves wishing for our children and our students to just 'sit still'. But should anyone be expected to sit as long as we do in school? Recently, after I spent an entire day at professional development in a plastic chair with very few breaks, I couldn't help but think about the little ones I teach, who express their need to move all day long!
When our bodies are moving, our brains are moving.
Many of us have been schooled on this idea of 'whole body' learning before. Balance balls are hugely beneficial for student learning, especially for ESL students. Using balance balls helps to stimulate the brain while also reducing the affective filter of the classroom atmosphere (this means the classroom causes less anxiety to the learners as they are asked to participate and engage in conversation). These two factors are vital in order to create a dynamic classroom!
My hope is that as I grow in my ability to reach my learners through my movement, gestures, visuals, and so many other teaching methods, that I may also reach my sweet students on a very human level! I want ALL my learners, ESL and native speakers, to feel comfortable in our classroom. Comfortable to move about freely, to move as they need to! And I ask you to join me in making my classroom more mobile and my students more engaged by donating today!
Gaiam Kids Balance Ball Chair - Classic Children's Stability Ball Chair, Alternative School Classroom Flexible Desk Seating for Active Students with Satisfaction Guarantee, Purple
• Amazon Business
$69.98
3
$209.94
Gaiam Kids Balance Ball Chair - Classic Children's Stability Ball Chair, Alternative School Classroom Flexible Desk Seating for Active Students with Satisfaction Guarantee, Purple/Pink
• Amazon Business
$53.99
3
$161.97
Materials cost
$371.91
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.58
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$407.49
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$71.91
Total project goal
$479.40
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$479.40
6 Donors
-$370.58
Donations toward project cost
-$322.49
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$48.09
match offer
-$100.00
Match offer toward project cost
-$85.00
Match offer 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 Ms. Ruedi and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.