Every year I welcome a new group of 4th grades to my classroom. They always come with energy, excitement, and curiosity about their new classroom. I still don't know how after 7 years I still always find myself having the best group of 4th graders at Dexter Park.
My students are famous for being kind, compassionate, thoughtful, and inquisitive.
I have had the pleasure of teaching authors, playwrights, inventors, scientists, cartographers, history buffs, Youtubers, and athletes. With the vast variety of talents and personalities, I am always working on making my classroom adaptable for all.
My Project
I adopted flexible seating in my classroom 3 years ago on a whim. I had been following all my teacher idols online. Watching them all take risks creating these amazingly flexible classrooms. I thought of my own students. They were never working at their desks, choosing more often to sit on the floor or to work at a community work-space. I had 25 students and 25 bulky desks. We had this small space with 26 people and a whole lot of unused furniture. I decided I didn't want to wait another day, and I dove head first into this experiment over a winter vacation. That year and every year since then I have made do with donated items. Many items have been well-loved and they usually don't make it much past a year in 4th grade.
A flexible classroom is something I believe in.
I have seen the difference it has made in my students. It is something they look forward to when coming into my classroom. It lends itself to teaching self regulation as well as cooperation and compromise among students. I can't imagine going back to an overcrowded classroom with furniture that students weren't comfortable working at. If you could visit my classroom you would feel the difference upon arrival.
I teach in a high needs school district. These students deserve it all and more! I spend a lot of my own money each year trying to make my classroom their second home; a place of caring and comfort. I would love to have the opportunity to purchase higher quality items that will last. Items that can be taken care of and cleaned. Please help me bring more flexible seating options to my classroom and help my students settle comfortably into their learning.
Chill Sack Bean Bag Chair: Large 3' Memory Foam Furniture Bean Bag - Big Sofa with Soft Micro Fiber Cover - Royal Blue Micro Suede
• Amazon Business
$89.00
2
$178.00
ECR4Kids The Surf Portable Lap Desk/Laptop Stand/Writing Table, Light Grey
• Amazon Business
$31.19
4
$124.76
Safavieh California Premium Shag Collection SG151-8484 Dark Grey Runner (2'3" x 5')
• Amazon Business
$31.51
2
$63.02
Portable Multiuse Adjustable Recliner Stadium Seat by Trademark Innovations (Black)
• Amazon Business
$29.99
2
$59.98
WALIKI TOYS Adult Size Chair Ball with Feet, Alternative Classroom Seating (Inflatable Balance Ball Chair With Stability Legs for School and office, Pump Included, 30"/75CM, Green)
• Amazon Business
$17.99
2
$35.98
Materials cost
$461.74
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$0.00
3rd party payment processing fee
$6.93
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$498.67
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$88.00
Total project goal
$586.67
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$586.67
10 Donors
-$340.99
Donations toward project cost
-$289.85
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
-$51.14
Matching donations from our partners
-$245.68
Match offers toward project cost
-$208.83
Match offers 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. Newton and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.