This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
I loved my second grade students so much that I am looping to third grade with them! They are active, engaged kinesthetic learners. Since the revolution of flexible seating and personalized learning, my students have been motivated to choose their just right seat each day. They enjoy sitting on yoga balls, stools and using tables rather than desks. They love technology and use iPads daily. This group is creative, motivated and always making me laugh and smile. We love listening to music and being the as positive and focused as we can be. They have adapted well to the ever changing seating arrangements in our classroom, so I am writing this to reward them for their flexibility and suggestions. After all, if my students are happy and comfortable, everything will fall into place for them at school. I would love to have more options for seating to please my students on the move and those who prefer a quiet working space. I am so thrilled to have this innovative group of learners for a second year. We are a family!
My Project
As a "looping" teacher in the same classroom, it is my goal to make my classroom look and feel different for my 3rd grade students. I want to shift from the primary classroom furniture and feel to a more mature and flexible environment for my kids. I previously taught 2nd grade for 7 years and with my move to 3rd grade, I am hoping to have my classroom look the part even though I won't be relocating. Our school has carpeting that has been there since the school opened as a temporary building over 30 years ago, so as you can imagine, it is not the most up to date. I would really love to have a rug that fits all 30 of my learners, which seems almost impossible to find! The futon and high tables will aid in my students feeling more mature and that they have new and fun options for their height.
In the past, I have painted tables, gone garage saling and repurposed furniture whenever I could, but that furniture didn’t always last.
My students get so excited, engaged and inspired when working at a flexible seating option that it is making me see a clearer picture. Students need differential seating options just as we differentiate our instruction as teachers. If I were to be granted the option to give my students that excitement and joy with longevity through these seating options, their memorable experiences would hopefully last throughout their lifetime and they will remember second grade as a positive experience filled with fun and choice!
This project was sparked by LEAP Innovation's personalized learning challenge. The PD I have had with LEAP has been some of the most eye opening professional development I have ever experienced. Personalized Learning is the focus for 2018-2019!
More than three‑quarters of 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. Grieshaber and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
