I am the sole fourth grade teacher in a small, rural school district in northern Maine. It is my goal to engage my students in everyday learning tasks to pique their curiosity so they are energized and excited to enter our classroom each day.
I want to give my students meaningful opportunities for educational growth in ways that make them think, communicate, problem solve, invent, and cooperate - all skills necessary for future career success.
In our school, we celebrate growth, encourage one another to work through challenges, and pride ourselves on our achievements, no matter how large or small. We believe in educating the whole child through multi-modal approaches, exposure to various technologies, hands-on experiences, and collaboration. We function like a family, support one another, and strive to do our very best. Our amazing little school rewards students with positivity, physical fitness, and STEM challenges to keep the internal motivation of students high. Our staff truly puts forth its absolute best efforts to give our students what they need!
My Project
Life is full of choices, however, for students in a traditional classroom environment, choice is very limited. Over the last few years, I have worked hard to transform my classroom to create 21st century learners who are able to communicate, collaborate, and meet any challenge presented to them.
According to Kayla Delzer, a leading teacher in the flexible seating movement, flexible seating not only helps with collaboration and developing communication skills, but gives students "lots of choices because once they go into the world, all the choices are not made for them, they need to be able to make choices for example and learn how to problem solve with other people." These are life-long skills that students are able to learn just by having alternative seating within the classroom.
Further research has also proven that engagement, focus, and achievement is increased among student populations. It's amazing to see firsthand how students intuitively know what's best for them!
I would love to add these new flexible seating items to my classroom to help refresh our space. The current stools at our teacher table are broken, so I would love to replace them with something very sturdy and long-lasting. Those students who choose a traditional chair love the fidget bands for their feet, however, many of our bands are now worn out. Wobble chairs are a huge hit, but we do not have enough to provide for all student needs. Floor seating is always a favorite of my students, and these soft, washable chairs, would be the perfect way for them to sit back with a great book or a clipboard and work. It would mean the world to us if you could help our classroom with this seating transformation!
Studico Active Kids Chair Wobble Chairs Juniors/Pre-Teens (Grades 3-7) - Flexible Seating Classroom- Children Who Can’t Sit Still - 17.75" Wobble Chair - Corrects Posture | Grey
• Amazon Business
$57.99
2
$115.98
Poly and Bark Trattoria 18 Inch Metal Side Dining Chair and Bar Stool in Black (Set of 4)
• Amazon Business
$99.99
1
$99.99
Alpcour Folding Stadium Seat – Deluxe Outdoor Camping Reclining Waterproof Cushion Chair for Bleachers – Best 6-Position Back Support Picnic Bleacher Seats w/Extra Thick Padding for Support & Comfort
• Amazon Business
$49.95
2
$99.90
Fidget Chair Bands for Kids - Flexible Seating Classroom Furniture for Kids with Fidgety Feet - Foot Bands for The Desk or Chair for Students with ADHD, Autism, or Sensory Needs
• Amazon Business
$27.99
1
$27.99
Materials cost
$343.86
Vendor shipping charges
$18.39
Sales tax
$17.19
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.16
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$414.60
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$73.16
Total project goal
$487.76
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$487.76
5 Donors
-$241.68
Donations toward project cost
-$209.18
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$32.50
match offer
-$241.67
Match offer toward project cost
-$205.42
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 Mrs. Shelly and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
